Open Letter to Journalists Participating in Governor Seyi Makinde’s Media Parley
Dear Esteemed Journalists,
As you prepare to engage His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, in tomorrow’s media parley, I write to remind you of the crucial role you play in fostering accountability, transparency, and good governance. Your profession demands professionalism, depth, and a commitment to the truth. This is not an occasion for superficial banter or mere image-laundering; it is a rare opportunity to interrogate governance with facts, evidence, and relevance.
To make the most of this platform, I urge you to anchor your questions on concrete research. Begin with the Governor’s Roadmap to Sustainable Development, the manifesto that shaped his administration’s promises. Assess the government’s performance critically, sector by sector—education, health, agriculture, security, and infrastructure.
Consider this:
• Education: The 2024 budget allocated 40% to education, yet the sector’s performance suggests a disconnection between funds allocated and tangible impact. Why is this so?
• Agriculture: In a time of heightened food insecurity, what percentage of the 2025 budget went to agriculture, and how will this translate into food production, supply chain improvements, or support for farmers? What is the performance of the that key sector in the 2024 budget ?
• Health: How accessible and efficient are primary healthcare facilities in rural and urban areas? Are the resources sufficient to address public health challenges?
• Security and Infrastructure: What measurable progress has been made to improve the safety of lives and property while also addressing infrastructure deficits? A case in point is the recent stampede that occurred Islamic High School Bashorun.
Conversion of social infrastructures like the open parks and gardens like Agodi and Trans would have served whatever purpose Islamic high school will not serve for such occasion with adequate security architecture.
These are not just questions of accountability—they are questions of governance, designed to ensure the electorate remains informed.
Let this engagement reflect the ideals of investigative journalism. Conduct in-depth research on the government’s budget performance, scrutinize policy implementation, and align your queries with the expectations of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code.
Avoid the trap of superficial camaraderie that may dilute the essence of your work. A media parley is not a forum for hype; it is a stage for truth and clarity.
Governor Seyi Makinde has indeed achieved notable successes. However, it is through asking difficult but necessary questions that we can encourage further growth and improvement. As a professional, you hold the power to shape public perception, strengthen democracy, and promote sustainable development.
May tomorrow’s session serve as a benchmark for responsible journalism, fostering a culture of accountability and integrity.
Yours in Advocacy,
Idris Animasaun
Architect and Social Change Advocate
