Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has urged journalists across Nigeria to uphold truth, fairness, objectivity and professional ethics ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against misinformation, disinformation and political manipulation.
The Governor also congratulated the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, on its 60th anniversary, describing the Union’s Diamond Jubilee as a celebration of six decades of commitment to press freedom, democratic governance, public enlightenment and nation-building.
Makinde made the call in an address delivered on his behalf by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, during the closing ceremony of the NUJ Oyo State Council’s 60th anniversary celebration held in Ibadan on Saturday.
2027 Elections: Makinde Charges Journalists on Truth and Objectivity
Speaking ahead of the 2027 general elections, Governor Makinde emphasised that journalists must remain committed to professional standards regardless of political interests and changing governments.
He maintained that while politicians, elections and governments may come and go, credible institutions such as the media must remain steadfast in their responsibility to society.
According to the Governor, journalists must ensure that their loyalty remains with the truth, public interest and the ethical standards of their profession.
He said:
“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.”
Makinde stressed that professional journalism would be critical to protecting Nigeria’s democracy, particularly as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
Makinde Celebrates Oyo NUJ at 60, Commends Its Contributions to Democracy
The Governor described the NUJ Oyo State Council’s Diamond Jubilee as a significant milestone reflecting the resilience, relevance and enduring contributions of journalists to Nigeria’s democratic development.
He noted that the history of the Nigeria Union of Journalists remained closely connected to the country’s democratic journey, with generations of media practitioners contributing to accountability, civic participation and responsible governance.
Makinde also paid tribute to the founding members of the Union, past and present leaders, and journalists who had made sacrifices in defence of press freedom and the public’s right to information.
He described the 60th anniversary as more than a celebration of longevity, noting that it represented decades of service to humanity and public enlightenment.
“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.
Media Remains Essential to Democratic Governance – Makinde
Speaking on the importance of journalism in strengthening democratic institutions, Makinde said a vibrant, independent and responsible media remained indispensable to good governance.
He explained that governments perform better when citizens are adequately informed, while citizens are better positioned to make meaningful decisions when they have access to credible, balanced and professional journalism.
The Governor warned that the increasing spread of misinformation and disinformation posed a serious threat to democratic development.
He urged journalists to remain at the forefront of efforts to combat false information, political propaganda and manipulation.
According to him, the media must prioritise factual reporting and public enlightenment over partisan interests, especially during election periods.
“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,” he stated.
Makinde Reacts to Oyo’s Ranking in 2025 Democracy Performance Index
Governor Makinde also expressed delight that Oyo State was recently ranked as Nigeria’s most democratic state in the 2025 Democracy Performance Index released by the Kimpact Development Initiative and published by StatiSense.
He described the recognition as validation of his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, inclusion and citizen engagement.
According to him, the ranking reinforces the belief that democracy should be viewed as a continuous commitment to serving the people rather than a one-time political exercise.
He said the achievement also highlighted the important role of responsible journalism in promoting democratic values, strengthening public 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,” he added.
Oyo Government Promises Continued Partnership with the Media
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining a relationship with journalists based on openness, mutual respect and accountability.
He noted that government and the media shared a common responsibility to serve the public interest and contribute to societal development.
Makinde also acknowledged the sacrifices journalists make daily to keep the public informed, describing their contributions as essential to democratic governance and national development.
He urged members of the NUJ to preserve the values that had sustained the Union over the past six decades, particularly integrity, professionalism, credibility and service to humanity.
Makinde Tasks NUJ on Stronger Ethical Standards as Union Enters Seventh Decade
Looking ahead, the Governor challenged the NUJ to build on its achievements by strengthening professional standards and restoring public confidence in journalism.
He maintained that the Union’s next chapter should be defined by greater professionalism, stronger ethical values and an unwavering commitment to truth.
“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,” he said.
Makinde congratulated the NUJ Oyo State Council on its historic 60th anniversary and expressed confidence that the Union would continue to play a leading role in strengthening democracy, promoting accountability and advancing national development.
The Governor’s message comes as Nigeria gradually prepares for the 2027 general elections, with journalists expected to play a critical role in promoting issue-based political discourse, credible information and peaceful democratic participation.
