Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, says government must see the media as more than a platform for publicising its activities, insisting that the press must remain free to question policies, expose gaps, correct mistakes and demand improved service delivery.
He made this known at the fourth edition of the Annual Milestone Recognition of Media Icons, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ in Abuja, where he called for responsible journalism to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and sustain public trust.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Prince Johnson Erijo, the Governor said Nigeria’s quest for freedom and democratic governance would be incomplete without the contributions of journalists. He described a free press as the voice of the people and a pillar of democratic accountability.
He also expressed concern over the spread of misinformation, hate speech and false reports on social media, urging journalists to uphold professional responsibility and protect public trust.
The Governor noted that sustaining democracy is a shared responsibility between the media and government, stressing the need for mutual respect, transparency and accountability.
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With the next general elections drawing closer, the current and immediate past presidents of the NUJ urged media practitioners to resist political manipulation of information and uphold fairness, facts, figures and the highest ethical standards.
The ceremony also recognised outstanding media personalities whose professionalism, courage and dedication to service have made significant contributions to the journalism profession.
Among the award recipients was Adebayo Bodunrin of DAAR Communications, who was recognised for his commitment to reputable journalism and contributions to the media industry.
The recognition comes as a reminder of the critical role journalists play in strengthening democracy through credible reporting, accountability and responsible public communication.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
