Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has called on journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness, and public trust in their reporting, particularly with the 2027 general elections approaching. He made this appeal while delivering the keynote address at the fourth Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Annual Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Abuja. The event, themed ‘Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism and Good Governance’, honored journalists whose contributions have strengthened democracy.
Governor Oborevwori emphasized the crucial relationship between press freedom and good governance, noting that democracy relies on access to reliable information and accountability. He recalled the Nigerian press’s significant contributions to the nationalist struggle, resistance against military rule, and the restoration of democracy in 1999. Many journalists, he noted, endured harassment and detention, while some paid the ultimate price in their pursuit of democratic freedoms.
The governor highlighted Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the media to uphold its fundamental objectives and hold government accountable. He stressed that press freedom must be accompanied by professional responsibility, and that criticism must remain grounded in verified facts. Governor Oborevwori also warned that social media has increased access to information but also facilitated the spread of false reports, hate speech, and misinformation.
Governor Oborevwori urged journalists to resist pressure to break news at the expense of accuracy and professional standards, emphasizing that public trust is the foundation of journalism. He also called on government officials to protect press freedom and promote transparency, cautioning against interpreting every critical report as hostility. Constructive criticism, he noted, can expose gaps, correct mistakes, and improve service delivery.
The governor described the media as an important development partner, reaffirming his commitment to press freedom and open communication, which aligns with his administration’s M.O.R.E agenda. This agenda focuses on Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security. He highlighted his administration’s developmental projects, including rural connectivity, quality education, accessible healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Former NUJ President Chris Isiguzo and NUJ National President Alhassan Yahya commended Governor Oborevwori for his commitment to press freedom and his developmental projects. Isiguzo urged journalists to inform without inflaming tensions, while Yahya noted that Governor Oborevwori was selected as Special Guest of Honour due to his administration’s record of not intimidating or harassing journalists.
Governor Oborevwori received the Media Friendly Governor of the Year award at the ceremony, with the governor’s M.O.R.E agenda and commitment to press freedom being recognized. Key points from his address include the importance of press freedom and professional responsibility, the need for government-media relations, and his administration’s focus on meaningful development and opportunities for all.
Key points
- Governor Oborevwori emphasizes press freedom and professional responsibility.
- The governor highlights his administration’s M.O.R.E agenda and developmental projects.
- Journalists are urged to prioritize accuracy, fairness, and public trust in their reporting.
