Ogun NUJ @50: Democracy at risk without credible press – Ex-AGF warns

Ogun State, Nigeria — During the keynote address at the 50th anniversary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ogun State Council, Madein highlighted the critical challenges facing journalism today. The event, held at the Iwe Irohin Press Centre in Abeokuta, drew attention to the theme, “Truth, Trust and the Press: Protecting Democratic Choice and Rebuilding Public Trust in Journalism.”

Madein characterized the milestone as a “jubilee of courage” and a reaffirmation of journalists’ commitment to truth. She emphasized Ogun’s historical significance, noting that it is the birthplace of Nigerian journalism, marked by the founding of Iwe Irohin in 1859 by Rev. Henry Townsend.

However, she cautioned that journalism is currently confronting unprecedented challenges, with misinformation spreading more rapidly than the truth. “Without truth, trust collapses; without trust, the press loses its moral authority; and without a credible press, democratic choice is left exposed to manipulation,” Madein stated. She remarked on the dual nature of artificial intelligence, acknowledging its potential to enhance journalism while also warning that it can facilitate the creation of convincing falsehoods.

Social media, according to Madein, often prioritizes sensationalism over accurate reporting. She urged journalists to prioritize diligence and verification over haste and reactionary reporting. Additionally, she advised against practices such as vote-buying, fake endorsements, deepfakes, and premature declarations of election results.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy Kayode Akinmade, congratulated the NUJ on its enduring commitment to democracy and development. He underscored the importance of fairness and impartiality in journalism, urging reporters to let facts guide their narratives and to prioritize verification when covering allegations.

Ogun State Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni, participating in a panel discussion, attributed many of the challenges in journalism to weak institutional frameworks. He called for the enforcement of regulations by supervisory bodies and underscored the need for ongoing training in the industry. Ojajuni expressed concern that social media platforms have enabled anyone to claim the title of journalist, complicating the media landscape.

In his welcome address, NUJ Ogun State Council Chairman Wale Olarenwaju stressed that the anniversary is not only a celebration but also a crucial moment to address the existential threats facing the profession. He emphasized Ogun’s rich journalistic heritage, from Townsend’s Iwe Irohin to the contributions of figures like Obafemi Awolowo and Bisi Onabanjo, while warning about the detrimental effects of economic decline, political manipulation, and misinformation on the media.

“Unpaid reporters and financially starved newsrooms cannot hold power accountable, reducing journalism to brown envelope sycophancy,” Olarenwaju stated. He encouraged journalists to prioritize truth over access and independence over mere survival.

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