The Kwara State Police PRO,Princess Adetoun Ejire has commended the Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners (ASKOMP) for their dedication to ensuring fair and accurate news reporting in Kwara State.
This commendation was made during the one-day Capacity Training Workshop organized by the Association for her members held in Crystal House,ILORIN, Kwara State.
The training workshop aimed at enhancing the professional skills of the members of the Association.
The Police PRO during her remarks noted that ASKOMP members efforts are highly valued, stating that collaboration with the body is crucial for maintaining peace and progress in the state.
The training featured insightful sessions led by Dr. Abdulrasheed Saadudeen and Taofiq Olateju Esq. on the role of journalists in creating informative content and shaping public opinion, as well as Strategic Law Against Public Participation (SLAPP).
Dr. Saadudeen, former Head of the Department of Mass Communication at Kwara State Polytechnic, highlighted the importance of journalists in keeping their audience informed and setting the agenda for public discourse. He emphasized the need for strong command of the English language and building relationships with sources.
Taofiq Olateju Esq addressed the topic of Strategic Law Against Public Participation (SLAPP), advising individuals to pursue legal remedies through civil or high courts instead of seeking police intervention to suppress speech. He emphasized the importance of protecting freedom of expression as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.
The Chairman of ASKOMP, Salihu Shola Taofeek, also expressed his appreciation for the support of stakeholders in Kwara State while announcing Taofiq Olateju Esq as the official Legal Adviser of the association.
In his closing remarks, ASKOMP Vice Chairman Ogbeni Aiyelabegan Babatunde AbdulRasaq urged members to internalize the lessons learned from the lectures.
