By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Department of State Services (DSS) in Oyo State has reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to address security challenges and curb the activities of fifth columnists.
The State Director of DSS , Mr. Rasheed Adelakun, made this known when the executives of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, led by its Chairman, Mr. Akeem Abas, paid a courtesy visit to the state headquarters of the service in Ibadan.
Adelakun described the media as a critical partner in national security, stressing that effective information management and responsible reportage were essential to sustaining peace and stability.
He expressed concern over the increasing activities of fifth columnists, warning that their actions pose grave dangers to national security and peaceful coexistence.
According to him, the spread of misinformation and unverified reports could be exploited by such elements to undermine public confidence and social cohesion.
Adelakun, therefore, urged journalists to uphold professionalism and ethical standards in the discharge of their duties in the interest of national development.
Earlier in his remarks, the Oyo NUJ Chairman, Mr. Akeem Abas, had assured the DSS of the union’s readiness to sustain collaboration with security agencies to promote peace, security and unity in Oyo State and across the country.
Abas added that the NUJ would continue to sensitise its members on the importance of responsible journalism, fact-checking and adherence to ethical standards, noting that accurate and timely information remains a vital tool in supporting security agencies and strengthening national cohesion.
