Former Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Shakira Oluwatoyin Madein, has challenged Nigerian journalists to uphold credible, ethical and independent journalism as a means of protecting democracy, strengthening public accountability and rebuilding citizens’ confidence in the media.
Madein gave the charge while delivering the keynote lecture at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, held at the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, with the theme, “Truth, Trust and the Press: Protecting Democratic Choice and Rebuilding Public Confidence in Journalism.”
She described the media as an indispensable pillar of democracy, stressing that its responsibility was not to dictate electoral choices for Nigerians but to provide the information and scrutiny required for citizens to make informed decisions and hold elected leaders accountable.
According to her, the press must never attempt to substitute itself for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the courts or the electorate, but should defend the people’s right to know and ensure that those entrusted with public office remain answerable to them.
The former Accountant-General, who traced the evolution of journalism in Nigeria to the establishment of Iwe Irohin in Abeokuta, acknowledged the contributions of journalists, editors and photojournalists to the country’s political development and democratic journey.
She, however, expressed concern over the challenges confronting contemporary journalism, particularly the pressure to break news ahead of competitors at the expense of accuracy, verification and credibility.
Madein urged journalists to exercise restraint during elections, warning against practices such as vote-buying, the premature declaration of election results and the amplification of unverified information capable of undermining the democratic process.
She maintained that journalists must remain calm when rumours are rife, precise when tensions are high and ensure that their coverage extends beyond major cities to capture the realities of grassroots communities.
The guest speaker also urged media professionals to examine the performance of elected leaders at all levels of government, insisting that public office holders must be subjected to continuous scrutiny beyond election periods.
She charged journalists to approach their profession with humility and honour, declaring that every byline should represent a bond of trust, every broadcast a public responsibility and every investigation an act of service to society.
Madein also called on members of the public to support credible media organisations, question sensational reports, protect journalists within their communities and demand evidence before sharing information.
“Journalism works best when the public participates critically and constructively,” she said.
She urged the Ogun NUJ leadership to build on the achievements of its founding fathers by strengthening professional standards, protecting members’ welfare, embracing innovation and restoring public confidence in the media.
“Without truth, trust collapses; without trust, the press loses its moral authority, and without a credible press, democratic choice is left exposed to manipulation,” she warned.
Also speaking, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, identified weak institutional accountability and inadequate enforcement of professional standards as some of the challenges confronting journalism.
Ojajuni called on relevant regulatory bodies to demonstrate greater commitment to enforcing established rules and guidelines, while encouraging continuous training and retraining of media practitioners to improve professional competence.
He expressed concern over the proliferation of unverified reports on social media, noting that the growing tendency for individuals without professional training to assume the identity of journalists had complicated information management.
The police commissioner observed that the police were often at the receiving end of sensational reports, urging journalists to verify information and maintain responsible engagement with security agencies.
Representing Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, congratulated the NUJ on attaining the 50-year milestone, describing the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the union’s contributions to the growth and development of Ogun State and Nigeria.
Akinmade commended generations of journalists who had served the state in various capacities, acknowledging their contributions to public enlightenment, accountability and societal development.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the NUJ Ogun State Council, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, said the Golden Jubilee offered an opportunity for reflection on the union’s contributions to journalism and the development of the state and the country over the past five decades.
Olanrewaju, who emphasised the need for journalists to choose truth over access and independence over survival, declared that the failure of the press could ultimately undermine democracy.
He called for urgent structural reforms within the profession, including stricter enforcement of ethical standards, the elimination of quackery, protection of journalists against financial vulnerabilities, measures to discourage corruption and mandatory digital fact-checking.
The chairman stressed that restoring public confidence required more than appeals to journalists, noting that professional accountability and institutional reforms were essential to repositioning the industry.
The Golden Jubilee celebration also featured the investiture of distinguished personalities in recognition of their contributions to journalism and public service.
Among those honoured was the immediate past Head of Service of Ogun State, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, who reflected on the influence of journalism on his career and the important responsibility of the media to society.
The anniversary programme further featured a panel discussion involving representatives of the media, security agencies and the political class, with deliberations focusing on media-government relations, the sacrifices and achievements of journalists, and the responsibility of the press in promoting accountability and protecting democratic values.
As part of activities marking the 50th anniversary, work also commenced on a proposed building within the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre premises. The facility is expected to provide journalists with a dedicated space for editing and packaging news reports, as well as relaxation and professional interaction.
Other dignitaries at the celebration included the current Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Jola Oyeneye; and Dr. Ayoola Ajasa, who represented the Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University.
The event brought together media professionals, government officials, security agencies and other stakeholders to celebrate five decades of journalism, while renewing the call for truth, professionalism and public trust as enduring pillars of democratic governance.
