By Mike Adeyemi
The Kwara State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Isiaq Mohammed Sabi has described National Pilot newspaper as an epitome of integrity in the course of its reportage.
The commissioner stated this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the medium at Asa Dam road, Ilorin.
Speaking during the visit, the Commissioner said, “I am here to familiarise myself with this medium and to discuss some interest that is both common to the two. We are here because your organisation has cast an image worthy of emulation.
“As much as a newspaper is being talked about, I have not heard that anybody has filed litigation against National Pilot newspaper. You have always report fairly with evidence, which is what I heard about National Pilot and that is what I want everyone to portray to the people.”
Sabi appreciated the medium for its partnership with the state government while also seeking a robust synergy between the Ministry of Information and the medium as the nation approaches a transition period.
Speaking further, he said, “Settlers in the state have always had a good story about us and this is owing to the quality of leadership we have. Anywhere there is leadership, there is stability.”
In his response, the MD/Editor in Chief of National Pilot newspaper, Alh. Billy Adedamola on behalf of management and staff of the medium congratulated the commissioner on his appointment and the recent award given to the state government by Africa Report, an International publication.
He appreciated the commissioner for the visit saying he is the second from the Information ministry to pay the medium a courtesy visit.
Adedamola described media as a good platform through which any government put its programmes across to the general public.
“We at National Pilot Newspaper have good relationship with the Kwara State Government overtime and we are not in any way being sponsored by anyone against the government.
“All we do is within the ethics and ambit of our profession and the general public. It has not been easy, because there is no relationship without friction. We are always ready to adjust where we go off track as a reporter is as good as his source of information.
“National Pilot has risen through complexity in the course of its work. We have lots of awards to our credit and presently we are the third best newspaper including National dailies in Kwara State. We achieved all these on the podium of truthfulness and ethical adherence,” the MD said.
He added that the first time Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed would grant a comprehensive interview to any medium, it was National Pilot newspaper that he chose.
Speaking further, Adedamola said, “As we approach the transition period, we and the state government must solidify our partnership to keep the people of the state abreast with activities of the present administration in the course of actualising its mandate”.
