Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on journalists in Nigeria to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, objectivity, and fairness in their reportage. This appeal was made during the grand finale of the Press week of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, in Lokoja. The governor emphasized the importance of responsible journalism, especially as the country prepares for the 2027 general election. He was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Femi Fanwo.
Governor Ododo cautioned against biased and sensational reporting, which can undermine the democratic process. Instead, he urged journalists to promote national development and ensure peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections. The governor also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to strengthening state-owned media organisations, highlighting recent initiatives to support journalists in the state. More than 45 additional journalists have been enrolled in the health insurance scheme, demonstrating the government's dedication to the welfare of media professionals.
The governor highlighted the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the proposed international airport and economic city in Ajaokuta. These initiatives are expected to stimulate economic growth in Kogi State and have a positive impact on the region. The governor's representative emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and the media to ensure the success of these projects.
A keynote address was delivered by Alhaji Dahiru Mojeed, who warned that democracy is threatened when citizens can no longer distinguish facts from falsehood or credible information from propaganda. He urged journalists to prioritize accuracy over speed and integrity over personal gains, emphasizing the critical role they play in shaping public opinion and promoting accountability.
The NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdul, represented by the Vice President, Zone D, Comrade Adeiza Momoh Jimoh, also addressed the gathering. He urged journalists to uphold fairness, balance, impartiality, and accountability, especially during the election period. The national president emphasized the importance of responsible journalism in promoting democracy and national development.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ Kogi State Council, Alhaji Seidu Haruna, described the Press Week as an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to professional journalism. He commended the state government for supporting the union and pledged that the council would continue to promote objective, constructive, and responsible journalism. The Press Week was held under the theme, “Professional and Ethical Standards in Election Reporting: The Journalist as a Guardian of Democracy.”
The event brought together journalists and stakeholders in the media industry to discuss the importance of professionalism and ethical reporting in Nigeria. The various speakers emphasized the critical role journalists play in promoting democracy, national development, and accountability. The Kogi State government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the media and promoting responsible journalism in the state.
Key points
- Governor Ododo urges journalists to uphold professionalism and ethical reporting in Nigeria.
- The governor cautions against biased and sensational reporting, emphasizing the importance of responsible journalism.
- The event promotes professional and ethical standards in election reporting, highlighting the role of journalists as guardians of democracy.
