By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Wednesday inaugurated a 350-seat media resource centre donated to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) by business mogul and philanthropist, Dr Kesington Adebutu.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, inaugurated the centre  at the NIJ, Ogba, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Kesington Adebutu Media Resource Centre is to provide journalism students with access to state-of-the-art equipment, resources and technology to enhancing their learning experience.

Sanwo-Olu said at the event that the state government would continually identify with, and support, causes  that would improve journalism practice.

He thanked Adebutu, popularly known as Baba Ijebu,  for the donation.

“I thank Baba for putting this here, for being futuristic about the profession of journalism and sparing a thought for this very important aspect of nation-building,” he said.

Chief  Olusegun Osoba, Chairman of NIJ Governing Council and former Governor of Ogun,  described Adebutu as a great Nigerian and philanthropist.

He praised Adebutu’s commitment to civic responsibilities.

“After the building was completed, Baba Ijebu sent another N23 million and said we should use it to furnish the place.

“That  is why I am saying we are celebrating a great Nigerian, a philanthropist of the first order.”

Osoba also praised the project contractor, describing him as dedicated individual.

“This place was built in five months, we thank Are Gbogbogbo. He made this project as if it was his own personal project because Baba Ijebu didn’t have time to be coming.

“The contractor did not use the money for birthday celebration; he used it to buy everything needed –  cement, roof, blocks, tiles, iron rods and others.”

Mr Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, in his remarks, said that the centre would be of tremendous value to journalists and other users.

He described Adebutu as a partner in education development, saying that his gesture demonstrated support for President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to provide access to education for all.

In his remarks, Adebutu expressed hope that the resource centre would boost journalism practice in Nigeria.

He said that the donation was in line with the objectives of the Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation, which he founded.

“I feel a sense of pride to be associated with this project as the donor.

“In essence, it is to give back as much as possible to the society, from what God, in his unquantifiable goodness, has favoured me with,” he said.

In  a goodwill message, on behalf of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria, veteran journalist, Mr Ray Ekpu, described the resource centre as a transformer.

According to him, it will help the NIJ to do better.

“Journalism is not speculation, rumours. It is  a profession with code of ethics. Truth-telling is its article of faith.

“Media professionals do not need handcuffs, they need training, more training. They need support, more support.

“That is what will add more oxygen to our democracy and country,” he said.

He  called on other philanthropists to identify with NIJ to make it a legendary trainer of journalists. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola