- renovates NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Osogbo.
By John Dike, Osogbo
The Executive Director, Marine and Operations of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Engr. Olalekan Badmus, has commended journalists in Osun State for their commitment to upholding democratic values and maintaining responsible reportage despite challenges.
Badmus gave the commendation at the weekend while facilitating the repainting and renovation of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel in Osogbo, a gesture aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of media practitioners in the state.
He noted that journalists in Osun have consistently demonstrated professionalism, even in the face of threats and pressure, stressing that the media remains a critical pillar of democracy.
According to him, the role of journalists in promoting accountability, transparency and informed public discourse cannot be overstated.
“Journalists, especially the Correspondents in Osun State, have consistently demonstrated professionalism and responsibility in the discharge of their duties, contributing meaningfully to good governance and socio-economic development,” Badmus said.
He further commended journalists for their conduct during the controversy surrounding the local government crisis in the state, noting that media practitioners maintained professional balance in their reportage.
“At the heat of the misinformation by the Osun State Government over the local government crisis, journalists stood firm and maintained dignity. They reported all sides without bias until the apex court affirmed members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the authentic executives,” he added.
Badmus also expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship hopeful in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), would prioritise the welfare of journalists if elected governor in the 2026 governorship election.
“I want to assure journalists that by the grace of God, when our candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), emerges as the governor of Osun State, he will address more yearnings of the press because he believes in inclusive governance.
“Few weeks ago, AMBO won a media-friendly award as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). He will replicate the same when he becomes governor. I urge you to use your professional skills to support his agenda for Osun State,” he stated.
Speaking further on the renovation project, Badmus explained that investing in journalism infrastructure was essential for strengthening democracy and national development.
“As we approach the 2026 Osun governorship election, journalists should continue to uphold the ethics of their profession, avoid sensationalism, and remain steadfast in reporting facts in the interest of the public,”
Responding on behalf of members of the chapel, the Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel in Osogbo, Comrade Shina Abubakar, lauded the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful.
He, however, appealed for further support to enhance the operations of journalists in the chapel.
“We are Oliver Twist. To further make the operations of members more seamless, we need solar inverter systems, laptops and reliable internet facilities,” Abubakar said.
He also disclosed that the chapel is working towards building its own secretariat around the Ola-Iya area of Osogbo and called on well-meaning Nigerians to support the initiative.
“We have been working on the plan for years, but we need well-meaning Nigerians who have the capacity to partner with the union for the dream to come to fruition.
“This will further boost our morale, enable us to train and mentor younger generations into the profession, and strengthen journalism practice in the state,” he added.
