Ewi of Ado-Ekiti Seeks Synergy Between NAN, Traditional Institution

By Yinusa Ishola/

The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, has called for synergy between the traditional institution in the state and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to ensure adequate information sensitization of citizens on government programmes and policies.

Adejugbe made the call in AdoEkiti while playing host. to Mr. Olagoke Olatoye, the new South-West Zonal Manager of NAN, in his palace in Ado-Ekiti.

The royal father said that the relationship between the traditional institution in the state with NAN would further promote community development.

Olatoye was in Ado-Ekiti as part of his familiarisation tour of state offices of the agency under his jurisdiction.

“Our people will be more informed of government programmes and policies, and also be abreast of their responsibilities of giving the required support.

“Going by your briefing and request for synergy, we are very happy and also looking forward to having a formidable relationship with NAN.

“I want to assure you that we will liaise with NAN people in the state and fashion out a workable relationship that will be beneficial and fruitful.

“To me, working with NAN will be a win-win situation for both parties and more importantly, it will leave our communities more developed,” Adejugbe said.

The first class traditional ruler thanked Olatoye for the honour done to the state traditional council through his visit to the palace.

He praised the zonal manager for being a major contributor to his ascension to the throne of his forefathers through his sojourn as a reporter of Sketch newspaper in the state then.

“I can remember vividly those tensed period as you had narrated, but to the glory of God, your truthfulness and dedication are what have kept you waxing stronger.

“If you had not done well then, we will be saying it today. I prayed to God to give you the divine wisdom and wherewithal to succeed in your new assignment,” the royal father said.

Earlier, Olatoye had briefed the traditional ruler on the agency’s operations and the need to have a good working relationship with the state traditional council.

He said that the agency remained a force to be reckoned with in terms of timely, effective and efficient dissemination of news.

Olatoye said that he was at the palace to appreciate the traditional ruler for the support he had accorded the agency and its members of staff in the state.

The NAN zonal manager recalled how he, as Sketch reporter then, broke the news of Oba Adejugbe’s nomination as the Ewi-elect by the kingmakers in 1990, as forwarded to the state government.

Olatoye said that while working with Sketch Newspaper in Ado-Ekiti in 1990, most of the newspapers reports then were perceived as antagonistic by the opposition.

He commended the high-level transformation that had taken place in the palace and Ado-Ekiti in general since Adejugbe’s ascension to the throne, assuring the traditional ruler of adequate coverage of the palace activities.

“It took the grace of God to survive the various antics of those who were opposed to the nomination of your royal majesty, as they perceived the news as constituting a stumbling block to their aspirations.

“I also want to specifically thank God for the life of our royal father and the massive development he has brought to the palace and the entire Ado-Ekiti with his reign,” Olatoye said.

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