An Oyo State governorship aspirant and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Akeem Agbaje, has called on the media and civil society organisations to spearhead the drive toward national productivity, accountability, and long-term development.
Speaking during a meeting with the leadership of the Oyo State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ibadan, Agbaje emphasised the necessity of “constructive and value-driven journalism” to address Nigeria’s escalating social and economic challenges.
While acknowledging that political patronage and ownership structures have weakened media independence, he maintained that neutral platforms remain essential for influencing public behaviour and restoring ethical standards.
He urged journalists to move beyond routine political reporting and government criticism to focus on stories that encourage discipline, hard work, and responsible citizenship.
The legal professional expressed deep concern over the erosion of moral values, noting that rising levels of dishonesty, sabotage, and criminality are stifling economic growth.
He argued that this societal decay creates a hostile environment for businesses and discourages much-needed investment.
Agbaje highlighted the alarming rise in vandalism, citing instances where entire fences around industrial projects were stolen by hoodlums.
He also noted that such criminal activities directly threaten investor confidence and the survival of industrial clusters that once provided vital employment opportunities.
Addressing the national economy, Agbaje acknowledged recent improvements in crude oil production and ongoing sector reforms.
However, he warned that structural issues – including insecurity, corruption, and decaying infrastructure – continue to hinder industrialisation.
He equally asserted that government policies alone cannot achieve sustainable development.
According to him, unless there is a deliberate effort to rebuild societal values and strengthen institutional structures, even the most robust economic reforms may fail to deliver lasting progress.
