Ibadan – Pastor Olagoke Olatoye, the immediate past Zonal Manager, Ibadan Zone of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has urged members of staff of the agency to do more investigative reporting for the organisation to stand out among other media outfits.
Olatoye, who retired from the agency on June 15, gave the advice at a send-forth party organised in his honour by staff members of the agency in Ibadan.
He urged the reporters to move away from being press statement reporters and concentrate more on investigative reporting in order to excel in the field of journalism and remain relevant.
“You must also be factual, truthful in order not to damage the image of the agency.
“There is reward for everything in life, anyone aspiring to be a good reporter must be ready to learn and listen to corrections, that is the only way to succeed in life,” he said.
Olatoye seek for forgiveness from those he might have offended in the course of the job.
The new Ibadan Zonal manager, Mr Olawale Alabi, appreciated God on behalf of Olatoye for retiring well, saying not everyone has the opportunity to do so.
Alabi said that Olatoye did his best and related well with members of staff while in service, adding that the management recognised him for such contribution.
Commenting, Mrs Kehinde Adeyemi, the General Secretary, National Association of Heads of Federal Agencies (NAFOHEADS), Oyo State chapter, described Olatoye as a man of discipline who always leave a footprint anywhere he goes.
The NAN State Correspondent in Abeokuta, Mr Olawale Jokotoye, described Olatoye as a hardworking and transparent person, who was able to maintain a balance between being a friend and a boss.
Jokotoye said that though, Olatoye laid emphasis on work, he also asked about the families of the members of staff under him.
Also, the NAN State Correspondent in Ilorin, Mr Abdulfatai Beki, described Olatoye as an energetic and workaholics who does not take nonsense when it comes to official matters.
Beki wished him well in his future endeavours, saying he would greatly be missed by members of staff of the agency.
Present at the occasion were the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Ademola Babalola, his executives and Olatoye’s family members.(vitalnewsngr.com)
