By John Dike , Osogbo
Journalists across the country have been admonished to uphold the ethics of their profession as they go about performing the constitutional duties.
Particularly, the Special Adviser to Osun State ,Governor Ademola Adeleke, Mr Samuel Ojo, charged journalists in the state to promote peace and unity, and use their platforms to support sustainable development.
He gave the charge made in his speech at the opening service of the 2026 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council.
He stressed the need for media practitioners to prioritise truth, accuracy, fairness and responsible reporting in the discharge of their duties, particularly amid the growing influence of social media and the rapid spread of information.
According to him, journalists have a critical responsibility to promote democracy, accountability, peace and good governance through credible reports, investigative journalism and balanced commentaries.
He congratulated the leadership and members of the NUJ in Osun State on the commencement of the annual Press Week, describing the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of journalists to society and renew their commitment to professional excellence.
Ojo said the annual event went beyond a gathering of media practitioners, noting that it provided an opportunity to recognise their sacrifices, dedication, courage and resilience in keeping the public informed.
He commended the leadership of the union for sustaining the tradition, adding that the celebration offered journalists an avenue to reflect on their achievements, strengthen professional relationships and exchange ideas on the future of journalism.
The governor’s aide described journalism as a profession that required truthfulness, fairness, courage and a strong sense of responsibility to humanity.
He noted that through their reports, interviews, investigations and commentaries, journalists helped shape public opinion, expose societal challenges and give a voice to the voiceless.
Ojo, however, warned practitioners against allowing personal interests, political affiliations, religious sentiments, financial inducements or other external pressures to influence their reports.
He urged journalists to verify information, consult relevant sources and give all parties involved in a matter a fair opportunity to present their positions before publishing or broadcasting their reports.
According to him, inaccurate or biased reporting could damage reputations, create unnecessary tension and erode public confidence in the media.
He said the pressure to break news ahead of competitors should not take precedence over accuracy, fairness and the public interest.
Ojo also called on journalists across print, broadcast and online media platforms to embrace continuous learning, research, professional training and technological advancement to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive media environment.
He maintained that the credibility of the journalism profession depended largely on the character, competence and commitment of its practitioners.
The special adviser further urged media professionals to use the power of their pens and microphones to promote peace, unity, justice and sustainable development in Osun State and Nigeria at large.
He described the media as an important bridge between the government and the people, noting that journalists had a responsibility to bring pressing public concerns to the attention of authorities while accurately communicating government policies and programmes to residents.
While encouraging constructive criticism of government and public institutions, Ojo said such criticism should be guided by facts, fairness and the desire to build a better society.
He cautioned against sensationalism, hate speech and reports capable of inciting violence or deepening divisions among the people.
Ojo, however, emphasised that journalists must remain courageous in holding individuals and institutions accountable whenever necessary, stressing that professional ethics and the protection of public interest should remain central to their work.
He also urged the media to give adequate attention to developmental projects and infrastructure provided by the Adeleke administration across Osun State.
According to him, journalists should continue to inform members of the public about government programmes and initiatives designed to improve their welfare and living conditions.
He urged practitioners to balance their watchdog responsibilities with accurate reporting of policies and projects that could contribute to the development of the state.
Ojo prayed for God’s continued guidance, protection and wisdom for the leadership and members of the NUJ, Osun State Council, expressing hope that the 2026 Press Week would strengthen unity, encourage fruitful deliberations and promote greater professional excellence.
He also wished the council a peaceful and successful celebration, expressing confidence that journalists would continue to use their platforms to defend truth, promote justice and advance the common good.
