Mrs Akeredolu Charges Online News Practitioners to Uphold Honesty in Their Reports

The Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu -Akeredolu, has called on the Online news practitioners in Ondo State to ensure that they uphold honesty in their daily news reports. She made this known when Ondo State Chapter of the body paid her a courtesy visit at the State Government House, Akure.

Arabinrin Akeredolu noted that although digital space is replete with many advantages, it also poses few social threats which need to be carefully handled.

“There is freedom of expression, no restriction, in the digital space. But there is also a downside to it which is this issue of fake news and online bullying.

” I believe that with decent people cautioning these bullies on the social media, probably they might have a rethink. I also believe that those of you who have made online journalism your occupation will help to sanitize the social media for Nigerians.

Speaking on the need for more women to be engaged in the current global move of digital advancement, the First Lady observed that this would not only help to ensure a gender balanced society but also contribute to the nation’s economy.

“So long as you subjugate 50% of your population, you will never move forward. So our young women who are not allowed to go out and work can develop their IT skills and even earn good living while working from home.”

Responding to some of the questions asked by the media practitioners, Arabinrin disclosed that she had been a social activist before the inception of her husband’s administration.

She highlighted that her many people-oriented programs such as FOWOSO, an initiative that is empowering women through skill acquisition and giving out of empowerment materials; BEMORE, a summer bootcamp which trains young girls in solar energy, ICT and other life changing skills; the Accelerated Birth Registration (Olori Connection), through which children born in Ondo State, especially in rural areas access birth registration; and SOLAYO, a complete maternity delivery kit, made available, free of charge, to needy expectant mothers in Ondo State, were all geared towards creating a platform for the socio -economic empowerment of Ondo State women.

In his remarks, Secretary of the Online news practitioners, Ondo State Chapter, Mr. Temitope Adedeji, appreciated Arabinrin Akeredolu for her tireless efforts towards promoting the social well-being of Ondo State women. He also pledged that the association will continue to work towards promoting the good governance of the Akeredolu -led government.

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