Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has urged Nigerian journalists to place the nation's interest at the forefront of their reporting to foster a more responsible and cohesive society.

The Governor gave the advice during his message at the Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Chapter, held as part of the Grand Finale of the 2025 Press Week.

He was represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, who reiterated the administration's belief in the media's transformative power.

AbdulRazaq stressed the importance of responsible journalism, stating that the media's ability to influence public perception and drive positive change should not be underestimated.

He commended the NUJ Correspondents' Chapel for maintaining professionalism in their role as societal watchdogs.

The Governor urged media practitioners to ensure their reports consistently serve the best interests of their host communities and contribute to national development.

He asserted that the power of the media to change situations for the better should not be undermined.

Governor AbdulRazaq commended the Correspondents' Chapel of the NUJ for exhibiting professionalism in the discharge of their duties as the watchdog of the society.

He said media professionals' reporting should always be in the best interests of their host community.

He hoped that the renewed hope agenda of the present administration will make life better for the common man.

In her keynote address, the Commissioner, Kwara State Ministry of Communications, Mrs Bolanle Olukoju, represented by the Director of Information Services, Alhaji Olayinka Salau, said the present administration inherited a government that had teething problems at the onset.

She explained that introduction of the Renewed Hope Agenda had brought a lot of relief to the populace.

Olukoju said the removal of the petroleum subsidy, though very painful, was now yielding good fruits.

The commissioner said the present administration had saved a lot of funds through its blocking of leakages in different sectors of the economy.

In his goodwill message, the Director Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin, Mr Kunle Akogun, said with the advent of new technology, more people now get acquainted with the happenings around the government corridor through the media.

In his goodwill message, Director General Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, (MINILS) Comrade Isa Aremu, represented by Mrs Damilola Omole, said the journalists had a herculean task in shaping the society.

In his message, former Commissioner for Information in Kwara state, Alhaji Abdulraheem Adedoyin, advised journalists to remain steadfast in their chosen profession.

In his opening speech, titled "Six years of Service, One Chapel, One Purpose: Reflections and Renewed Hope", the Chairman, Correspondents Chapel of NUJ, Kwara State Council, Mallam Abdulhakeem Garba, thanked Almighty God for granting him the opportunity to lead the chapel in the last six years.

He expressed satisfaction with the achievements recorded through the support of members of the chapel.

Garba assured that media professionals would continue to do their best in showcasing the activities in the society as they happen.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, Correspondents Chapel of NUJ, 2025 press week committee, Mr Demola Akinyemi, described organising the 45th anniversary programme of the chapel as a rare privilege.