Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has called on journalists and media practitioners to ensure balanced news coverage and maintain zero tolerance for fake news in the discharge of their duties.
The governor made the call while addressing members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, led by its new chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin, during a courtesy visit on Thursday in Osogbo.
Adeleke emphasised the need for professionalism and strict adherence to the ethics of the journalism profession, urging media practitioners to act as champions against election manipulation, particularly as the state prepares for the August 15, 2025 governorship election.
He noted that credible journalism remains vital to sustaining democracy.
“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,” he said.
The governor congratulated Aboderin on his emergence as chairman of the Osun NUJ Council, describing his election as a confirmation of the confidence reposed in him by members of the union.
He also called on the NUJ to partner with the state government in promoting development and strengthening democratic values.
Adeleke assured the union that its ideas and initiatives would receive due consideration and be implemented where appropriate.
In his remarks, Aboderin said the visit was aimed at introducing the newly elected executive members of the council and appreciating the governor for his administration’s support for journalists in the state.
He added that the union also sought to strengthen collaboration between the state government and media professionals to ensure that the forthcoming governorship election is peaceful.
“We have a proposal to that effect,” Aboderin said.
According to him, the union has proposed training programmes and seminars for journalists ahead of the election to enable them cover the process responsibly.
Aboderin further appealed for stronger relations between the media and the state government to promote mutual understanding and effective dissemination of information.
He also urged the governor to consider the permanent employment of freelance journalists with the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), while seeking continued support for journalists across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Osun Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, congratulated the new NUJ leadership and commended the executives for the visit.
Alimi disclosed that the state government maintained neutrality during the NUJ election and added that efforts were ongoing to ensure that freelance staff of OSBC would soon be confirmed as permanent employees.
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