Osun NUJ Press Week: Bishop, Adeleke’s aide urge journalists to uphold truth

The Bishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Osogbo, Rt. Rev. Olu Akinola, and Samuel Ojo, Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke, have called on journalists to prioritize truth, professionalism, and accountability in their work. Their appeal came during a thanksgiving service marking the 2026 Press Week for the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Osun State Council, held Sunday at the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Ogo-Oluwa Circuit, Osogbo.

In his sermon, based on Psalm 103:4, Akinola emphasized the vital role of journalism in nation-building. He urged media professionals to fulfill their duty as watchdogs in promoting democracy and good governance. “Beloved journalists, it is your duty to speak the mind of the nation to the government. The government is not the nation; we are the nation,” he stated.

The bishop encouraged reporters to cover essential sectors such as the economy, health, security, and banking, while rigorously examining government policies to ensure accountability. He expressed concern over some journalists sacrificing truth for personal gain, warning that such actions could erode public confidence in the media. “Unfortunately today, some journalists have left the truth for pursuit because of what they need,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of integrity and responsible reporting.

Ojo joined in the discussion, congratulating NUJ leadership and members on the annual Press Week. He described the event as an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of journalists to society. Ojo urged journalists to “uphold accuracy, fairness and credibility,” especially in the age of rapid information dissemination through social media. He cautioned against allowing political affiliations or financial incentives to influence reporting.

Additionally, Ojo stressed the necessity of verifying information prior to publication and consulting pertinent sources to ensure balanced coverage. He noted that inaccurate or biased reporting could harm reputations and undermine public trust. The Special Adviser also encouraged journalists to utilize their platforms to foster peace, unity, justice, and sustainable development while holding individuals and institutions accountable through constructive criticism.

Furthermore, Ojo advocated for continuous training and technological adaptation among journalists, emphasizing their role in reporting government policies and developments to keep the public informed.

Adeyemi Aboderin, Chairman of the Osun NUJ Council, reiterated the call for commitment to truth, fairness, and responsible journalism as the council celebrated its 2026 Press Week.

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