OTA, Ogun State — The Olota of Ota, His Royal Majesty, Oba Professor Abdulkabir Adeyemi Obalanlege, the Executive Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Hon. Adewale Wasiu Lawal, and security chiefs have charged members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun West Independent Chapel, to uphold professionalism, objectivity and ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.
They gave the charge on Friday, October 9, 2026, during the inauguration of the chapel's newly elected executive committee, held alongside a get-together and recognition ceremony at the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Secretariat, Ogun State.
The event also featured the decoration of prominent traditional, government, security and community leaders as patrons and ambassadors of the chapel in recognition of their contributions to media development and their expected support for journalism in Ogun West.
The Olota, who was honoured as the chapel's Patron and Royal Ambassador, urged journalists to prioritise factual, balanced and investigative reporting, stressing that public confidence in the media depended on the integrity of its practitioners.
Recalling his experience as a practising journalist, the monarch noted that journalists commanded considerable respect in the past because of their professionalism and commitment to responsible reporting.
He cautioned members against bias and undue editorialising, advising them to conduct thorough investigations, consult credible sources and establish the facts before publishing stories.
According to him, journalists must ensure that their reports are defensible whenever questions arise about their accuracy or fairness, allowing readers and members of the public to make informed judgments.
Oba Obalanlege described journalism as a noble profession and urged practitioners to conduct themselves with dignity, honour and responsibility. He also pledged his support for the chapel's efforts to advance professionalism and strengthen the media in Ogun West.
LG Chairman Calls for Professionalism
The Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Chairman, Hon. Adewale Wasiu Lawal, FCA, congratulated the chapel on its inauguration, commending its leadership and members for the commitment and restructuring efforts that culminated in its present form.
Lawal, who was also decorated as an NUJ Ambassador, said a strong organisational structure was essential for the growth and credibility of any professional association.
He particularly commended the outgoing Caretaker Committee Chairman, Comrade Kayode Taiwo, for his leadership and efforts to carry members along during the chapel's formative period.
The council chairman expressed optimism that the emergence of a properly structured NUJ chapel would strengthen relations between the media and stakeholders across Ado-Odo/Ota and the wider Ogun West region.
He urged journalists to uphold objectivity, investigate their stories thoroughly and adhere strictly to professional ethics, noting that credible journalism would enhance public trust and promote constructive engagement between the media, government and communities.
Lawal also pledged his support for the chapel and encouraged its members to contribute meaningfully to societal development through responsible reportage.
New Chairman Pledges to Tackle Quackery
In his handover remarks, the outgoing Caretaker Committee Chairman, Comrade Kayode Taiwo, acknowledged the challenges involved in managing a professional association but expressed satisfaction that the vision behind the establishment of the chapel had become a reality.
Taiwo, who linked his emergence as caretaker chairman to his retirement from Ogun State Television, urged the new executive to build on the foundation already laid and sustain the principles of transparency, integrity and accountability.
He expressed confidence that the chapel would help address the activities of unqualified individuals who falsely present themselves as journalists, particularly at social gatherings and public events, thereby undermining the profession's reputation.
He also cautioned members against political bias, especially as the country approaches another election cycle, insisting that journalists must give fair and balanced coverage to all political interests.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Chairman, Comrade Peter Egbewunmi Olatunji, identified unity, professionalism, press freedom, members' welfare and institutional growth as the major priorities of his administration.
Egbewunmi pledged to confront the challenges facing the chapel with courage, determination and a commitment to progress.
He emphasised that tackling quackery would be a key focus of his leadership, noting that the union had a responsibility to protect the integrity of journalism by promoting qualified practitioners who understand and respect the profession's standards.
He called on members, stakeholders and well-wishers to support the new executive in building a united, credible and sustainable professional association.
Security Chiefs, Community Leaders Honoured
Security chiefs and other stakeholders from the area were recognised for their contributions to community development and their expected collaboration with the media.
Those honoured included the Ogun West Zonal Commander of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Commander Adekunle Ajibade Ariyo, represented by the Ota Divisional Commander, Commander Hammed Salau; the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Area Commander, ACC Lawrence Adesanya; and the Sango-Ota Police Area Commander, ACP Bamidele Olushola, represented by CSP Olorundare.
Also recognised were the Onipanu Divisional Police Officer, CSP Ernest Obideyi, represented by ASP Kolawole Idowu; the Chairman of the Ogun State chapter of the Hoteliers Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Sodunke Olajide; and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Alhaji Jimoh Akeran.
The honourees expressed appreciation to the NUJ Ogun West Independent Chapel for the recognition and pledged to maintain a cordial working relationship with the union.
Akeran congratulated the new executive on the chapel's progress and urged its members to prioritise quality journalism capable of promoting good governance, peace and sustainable development.
The inauguration marked a significant step in the consolidation of the NUJ Ogun West Independent Chapel, with the new leadership expressing its determination to strengthen professional standards, improve members' welfare, protect press freedom and restore public confidence in journalism across the region.
Final editorial recommendation: The headline is appropriate for publication. Before uploading, confirm the official spelling of the new chairman's full name and the precise titles of the honourees to ensure consistency with the chapel's records.
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