By Ọmọsọla Olumide
ABEOKUTA, Ogun State — Media professionals, security officials and other distinguished guests have called on journalists to uphold professional ethics, promote accurate reporting and rebuild public confidence in the media as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria's democracy.
The call was made on Thursday, October 29, 2026, during the Day Four lecture of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council's Golden Jubilee celebration at the NUJ Secretariat, Iwe Irohin, Abeokuta.
The lecture, themed “True Trust and the Press: Protecting Democratic Choice and Rebuilding Public Confidence in Journalism,” featured presentations and discussions on the challenges confronting journalism and the need to safeguard the credibility of the profession.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni; former Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya; and Mr Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media, who represented the governor.
Other notable attendees included NUJ Golden Jubilee Ambassadors Biodun Alabi, Assistant General Manager of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); Lanre Ijaola, Regional Director of Ben TV UK; Oluwo Baroyin Sodunke, who joined from Canada; and Dare Folarin, Press Secretary to former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel.
Madein Urges Journalists to Uphold Professional Ethics
In her lecture, former Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr Mrs Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, urged journalists to remain bold, objective and courageous in discharging their professional responsibilities without fear or favour.
She stressed the importance of protecting the integrity of journalism by ensuring that reports are accurate, balanced and guided by established ethical standards.
The discussions also examined the dangers confronting journalists, including threats, physical attacks and loss of lives in the course of their duties.
Participants maintained that these challenges should not discourage practitioners from serving the public interest through responsible and credible journalism.
Akinmade Commends NUJ, Journalists
Speaking on behalf of Governor Dapo Abiodun, Mr Kayode Akinmade appreciated the distinguished guests and participants for their contributions to journalism and democratic governance.
He also expressed gratitude to the media for considering him worthy of recognition, describing the honour as one he would always cherish.
Akinmade attributed the relative peace enjoyed in Ogun State, particularly during politically sensitive periods, to the cordial relationship between the state government, NUJ leadership and journalists.
He emphasised the need to sustain mutual understanding and cooperation between the government and the media.
CP Ojajuni Calls for Stronger Police-Media Partnership
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, called for a stronger working relationship between the police and journalists, stressing that both institutions should operate as partners rather than adversaries.
He identified a lack of trust as a major challenge affecting relations between the two professions and maintained that rebuilding confidence required commitment from both sides.
Ojajuni urged journalists to practise balanced reporting, verify information and avoid publications capable of creating unnecessary tension.
He observed that weaknesses in professional institutions and inadequate enforcement of ethical standards could contribute to irresponsible journalism.
According to him, professional misconduct should attract appropriate sanctions, while training and retraining should be prioritised to improve journalists' competence and professional conduct.
The commissioner also stressed the importance of journalists' welfare, warning that poor working conditions could expose practitioners to undue influence and compromise their independence.
He urged the NUJ to strengthen professional standards and promote accountability among its members.
Ijaola Advocates Regulation Against Fake News
In his contribution, Lanre Ijaola reflected on the evolution of journalism, comparing the traditional era of established newspaper organisations such as The Punch, Daily Times and The Tribune with contemporary media operations.
He called for effective measures to curb fake news and misinformation, urging relevant regulatory bodies, including the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), to ensure that media organisations operate within established professional standards.
Ijaola also encouraged journalists to embrace self-regulation, verify their sources and exercise caution before publishing information.
He maintained that credibility remained fundamental to journalism and that practitioners must take responsibility for the accuracy of their reports.
Sodunke Highlights Importance of Professional Training
Oluwo Baroyin Sodunke examined whether journalism was an inborn talent or a profession requiring formal training.
While acknowledging that some individuals might possess a natural inclination towards journalism, he insisted that professional training remained indispensable.
According to him, training equips practitioners with the knowledge of the ethics, principles and responsibilities of the profession.
He urged journalists to ensure that the knowledge acquired through training programmes translated into improved professional conduct.
Sodunke also stressed the importance of continuous learning to enable journalists to adapt to changing media practices while preserving the core values of the profession.
Folarin Urges Journalists to Apply Lessons from Lecture
Dare Folarin urged the NUJ executive to ensure that members obtained copies of the lecture for further study and professional development.
He emphasised the importance of translating the lessons from the anniversary lecture into practical improvements in journalism.
Folarin also recalled the sacrifices and contributions of past Nigerian leaders, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, whose roles helped shape the country's political development and independence struggle.
He encouraged journalists to recognise the power of the press in protecting democratic values and holding public officials accountable.
Speakers Advocate Developmental and Responsible Journalism
The speakers collectively emphasised the need for journalists to move beyond sensationalism and embrace responsible, developmental and investigative journalism.
They noted that the media plays a critical role in informing citizens, strengthening democratic institutions and promoting accountability.
The discussions also highlighted the growing challenge of misinformation on social media and the need for the NUJ to strengthen professional standards while encouraging responsible participation in public communication.
Participants agreed that journalists must remain committed to truth, fairness, accuracy and objectivity, irrespective of political affiliations or personal interests.
They further called for improved training, better welfare and stronger professional institutions to safeguard the independence and credibility of the media.
Speakers Receive Ogun NUJ @50 Ambassador Awards
As part of the activities marking the Golden Jubilee celebration, all the speakers at the lecture were subsequently presented with Ogun NUJ @50 Ambassador Awards in recognition of their contributions and participation in the anniversary programme.
The presentation formed part of the council's efforts to honour distinguished personalities who contributed to the success of its 50th-anniversary activities.
The event concluded with renewed calls for stronger collaboration among the media, security agencies and government institutions, particularly during election periods when accurate information and responsible reporting are essential to protecting democratic choice and maintaining public confidence.
The Day Four lecture was one of the activities lined up to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the NUJ Ogun State Council, providing an opportunity to reflect on the history of journalism, address contemporary challenges and chart a path towards rebuilding public trust in the profession.
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