Lagos govt tasks media on accurate reporting, constructive engagement

By  Beifoh Osewele

The administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat recognises the media as indispensable partners in governance.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, affirmed this during an interactive session with editors, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital creators and senior government officials in Lagos at a one-day Breakfast Roundtable on Media, Governance and Civic Storytelling.

The programme, themed, “Where Headlines Begin” convened by the state government through the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPLCE), was a deliberate move to deepen participatory governance and strengthen strategic collaboration with the media.

Dr. Tajudeen stressed that accurate reporting and constructive engagement remain critical to promoting transparency, strengthening public trust and advancing inclusive governance in the state.

According to the OPLCE boss, the roundtable was convened as a strategic platform to foster dialogue, improve information dissemination and reinforce a more responsive relationship between the government and citizens.

The Special Adviser highlighted key initiatives of the Office aimed at institutionalising participatory governance, including the Eko Cares Financial Assistance Programme, the Mother, Infant and Child Development (MICHD) Programme, the Lagos CitizensGate digital feedback platform, the CitizensGate Radio and Television Programme, Community Sensitisation Engagement and Structured Executive–Legislative collaboration platforms.

He noted that these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to social inclusion, transparency and citizen-responsive governance, while urging media stakeholders to uphold authentic, fact-driven narratives that make public institutions more accessible and relatable to residents.

In her welcome address, Permanent Secretary, OPLCE, Sholabomi Shasore, described the roundtable as an intentional effort to bring together those who make the “headlines” and policymakers in the same room for a candid and structured conversation.

She stated that the mandate of the Office is to close the distance between government and the people through institutionalised engagement rather than episodic communication. According to her, the media is central to this mission, serving as the infrastructure through which Lagos understands itself.

The Permanent Secretary clarified that the Government is not seeking cheerleaders, but informed and constructive voices. She encouraged participants to ask constructive questions, share feedback from their audiences …

and highlight areas where clearer communication is required, assuring that the Government remains open to honest dialogue.

She further explained that the roundtable aligns with the Office’s broader strategy to explore how traditional media, film, drama and digital platforms can be leveraged to deepen civic education, voter awareness, volunteerism and sustainable engagement across the state.

Responding to questions raised by participants on issues including ethnicity concerns during election periods, road construction, drainage infrastructure, refuse disposal, area boys menace, housing development, investment in the creative sector and law enforcement across the state, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, reiterated that the Lagos State Government does not discriminate and remains committed to inclusive governance.

He emphasised that policies and programmes of the government are designed to ensure that all residents of Lagos, irrespective of background, are catered for adequately. Highlighting progress recorded across key sectors, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a smart, sustainable and inclusive Lagos, noting that achieving this vision requires civic responsibility, stakeholder collaboration and balanced reportage from the media.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, described Lagos as a brand whose greatest strength lies in shared ownership among its people. He stressed that development initiatives must be viewed as collective efforts rather than government-only projects, calling for a shift towards “our Lagos,” where citizens and government act in deliberate partnership.

Chief Executive Officer of Megalectrics Limited, Mr Chris Ubosi, described the roundtable as a significant step towards building an engaged Lagos anchored on transparency and credibility.

He urged continued investment in media capacity building and encouraged broadcasters and journalists to frame stories in ways that resonate across Lagos’ diverse communities.

The roundtable concluded with a renewed commitment to sustain open dialogue, strengthen mutual understanding and collaboratively shape narratives that reflect a fair, inclusive and forward-looking Lagos.