Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has urged journalists to uphold the highest standards of balanced reporting and maintain a zero-tolerance stance against fake news in the discharge of their professional duties.
The governor made the call on Thursday in Osogbo while receiving members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council, led by the newly elected chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin, who paid him a courtesy visit.
Emphasising professionalism and strict adherence to journalism ethics, Governor Adeleke charged media practitioners to become champions of credible information dissemination and actively resist electoral misinformation, particularly as the state prepares for the August 15, 2025 governorship election.
He stressed that the media, as the fourth estate of the realm, must continue to hold the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government accountable while promoting transparency, fairness, and democratic stability.
The governor congratulated the new NUJ leadership on the emergence of Aboderin as chairman, describing the election outcome as a reflection of the confidence placed in him by members of the union.
He also reiterated the state government’s willingness to collaborate with the media in advancing development and strengthening democratic values, assuring that constructive ideas and initiatives from the union would receive due consideration.
In his remarks, Aboderin explained that the visit was aimed at formally introducing the new executive members and appreciating the administration’s support for journalists’ welfare and professional growth in the state.
He called for stronger collaboration between the government and media practitioners to ensure peaceful and responsible coverage of the forthcoming election.
The NUJ chairman also disclosed plans for training programmes and seminars for members ahead of the election to enhance ethical and professional reporting during the electoral process. He appealed for closer ties between the media and the government to promote effective information sharing and mutual understanding.
Aboderin further urged the governor to consider the permanent employment of freelance journalists working with the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation and sought sustained support for journalists across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, congratulated the new NUJ executives and appreciated the union for the visit.
He noted that the state government maintained neutrality during the NUJ election and affirmed that processes were underway to convert eligible freelance staff of OSBC into permanent employees in the near future.
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