Osun Religious and State Leaders Call on Journalists to Prioritize Truth and Integrity

Leaders in Osun State have called upon media practitioners to maintain unwavering dedication to truth, professionalism, and accountability while executing their professional duties. The appeal was delivered during the thanksgiving service held to mark the commencement of the 2026 Press Week organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council, which took place at a local church circuit in Osogbo.

Rt. Rev. Olu Akinola, the Bishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Osogbo, addressed the congregation by emphasizing that journalism serves as an essential pillar for national development. Drawing from scriptural references, the cleric encouraged reporters to fulfill their fundamental watchdog responsibilities by fostering democratic principles and promoting transparent governance. He noted that the primary duty of media workers is to articulate the collective voice of the citizenry to authorities.

While acknowledging the importance of the profession, Bishop Akinola raised concerns regarding practitioners who compromise factual reporting in pursuit of personal gains. He cautioned that abandoning objective truth diminishes public trust in media institutions and urged reporters to cover critical sectors such as health, the economy, and security with integrity.

Samuel Ojo, representing the state government as a special adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke, also addressed the gathering. He congratulated the union leadership on the annual celebration and stressed the necessity of maintaining accuracy and fairness, especially given the rapid circulation of information across digital platforms. Ojo advised journalists to resist external pressures, including financial incentives and political bias, that might compromise their editorial independence.

Furthermore, Ojo encouraged media professionals to practice thorough verification before publishing, ensuring that all perspectives are fairly represented to prevent reputational harm. The event concluded with remarks from the Osun NUJ Council Chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin, who reiterated the council's commitment to responsible journalism and factual reporting as members observed their annual celebration.

Source reporting: Daily Post — 2026-10-25 12:14:28