By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on journalists and media practitioners in the state to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and maintain zero tolerance for fake news in the discharge of their duties.
The governor made the call on Thursday while receiving the newly elected leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, led by its Chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin, during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Osogbo.
Adeleke emphasized the importance of balanced reporting and ethical journalism, particularly as the state approaches another election cycle.
According to him, journalists play a crucial role in safeguarding democracy by ensuring that the public receives accurate and credible information.
“As the fourth estate of the realm, the media must hold the three arms of government accountable. You have a constitutional and moral responsibility to ensure transparency and fairness in governance,” the governor said.
He also urged journalists to be vigilant against disinformation and propaganda that could undermine the integrity of the democratic process.
Adeleke further charged media practitioners to serve as watchdogs against electoral malpractice, noting that the media must expose any attempts to manipulate elections or subvert the will of the people.
The governor congratulated Aboderin on his emergence as chairman of the Osun NUJ Council, describing his election as a reflection of the confidence reposed in him by members of the union across the state.
He assured the new NUJ leadership of his administration’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with the media in promoting development and democratic governance in Osun.
Adeleke noted that his government had maintained a cordial relationship with the NUJ and would continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening journalism practice in the state.
Earlier in his remarks, Aboderin said the visit was to formally introduce the newly elected executive members of the council and to appreciate the governor for the support his administration had shown to journalists in Osun State.
The NUJ chairman also called for stronger collaboration between the media and the state government to ensure responsible coverage of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
He disclosed that the union had proposed capacity-building programmes and seminars for journalists ahead of the election to enable them to report the process professionally and responsibly.
Aboderin also appealed to the state government to consider the permanent employment of freelance journalists working with the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC).
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, congratulated the new NUJ leadership and commended them for the visit.
Alimi stated that the state government maintained neutrality during the NUJ election process and assured journalists that efforts were ongoing to address issues affecting freelance staff at the state broadcasting corporation.
