By Adeyinka Adeniran
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has called on journalists to remain faithful to the principles of truth, fairness and professionalism as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, stressing that the media’s commitment to objectivity will be crucial to the credibility of the democratic process.
The Governor made the call in an address delivered on his behalf by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, at the closing ceremony of the 60th Anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, held in Ibadan on Saturday.
He also congratulated the Union on six decades of service to democratic governance, public enlightenment and nation-building.
According to Makinde, who is also the Presidential Candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM): “Elections come and go. Politicians come and go. Governments come and go. But institutions endure. The credibility of the media must outlive every political contest.
“Your allegiance must always be to the truth, the public interest and the ethics of your profession. Give every stakeholder a fair hearing. Verify before publishing. Inform rather than inflame. Educate rather than manipulate. Promote understanding rather than division.”
The Governor said professional journalism remains indispensable to democratic governance, adding that the media must continue to serve as a bulwark against misinformation, disinformation and political manipulation, particularly during election periods.
Governor Makinde described the Diamond Jubilee as a testament to the resilience, relevance and enduring contributions of the Union to democratic development, public enlightenment and nation-building.
According to him, the history of the NUJ is closely intertwined with Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting that generations of journalists have played critical roles in promoting accountability, civic participation and responsible governance.
He paid tribute to the pioneers of the Union, past and present leaders, as well as journalists who made sacrifices in defence of press freedom and the public’s right to information.
“Sixty years is not merely a celebration of time. It is a celebration of relevance, resilience and service. It is a testament to an institution that has remained committed to truth, professionalism and public enlightenment through changing political, social and technological realities,” he said.
Speaking on the role of the media in sustaining democracy, Governor Makinde noted that a vibrant and responsible press remains indispensable to democratic governance and the strengthening of public institutions.
He stated that governments become better when citizens are informed and citizens make better decisions when they have access to credible, balanced and professional journalism.
The Governor also expressed delight that Oyo State was recently ranked as the most democratic state in Nigeria in the 2025 Democracy Performance Index released by the Kimpact Development Initiative and published by StatiSense.
This recognition, he said, validates the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, inclusion and citizen engagement.
He maintained that the achievement further underscores the importance of a vibrant and responsible media in promoting democratic values, strengthening institutions and sustaining public trust.
“The recognition affirms our belief that democracy is not an event but a continuous commitment to transparency, accountability, inclusion and service to the people. It also highlights the important role of a responsible media in deepening democratic governance.”
Governor Makinde warned against the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation, stressing that professional journalism must continue to stand as the first line of defence against falsehood and manipulation.
“The greatest service the media can render to democracy in 2027 is not to support any individual, candidate or political party. It is to support the truth.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining a relationship with the media founded on openness, mutual respect and accountability, noting that government and the press share a common responsibility to serve the public good.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices made daily by journalists in the course of keeping society informed, describing their contributions as critical to democratic governance and national development.
Governor Makinde urged members of the NUJ to remain committed to the values that have sustained the Union for six decades, including integrity, professionalism, credibility and service to humanity.
“As the NUJ enters its seventh decade, the challenge before it is not merely to preserve a proud legacy but to build an even greater one.
“The next chapter in the history of the Union must be defined by deeper professionalism, stronger ethical standards, greater public trust and an unwavering commitment to truth.”
The Governor congratulated the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, on its historic Diamond Jubilee and expressed confidence that the Union would continue to play a leading role in strengthening democracy, fostering accountability and advancing national development.
