By Qudirat Hakeem-Apanpa
Pastor Sulaiman Olanrewaju, Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, has urged journalists nationwide to avoid partisanship in discharging their professional responsibilities, particularly during electioneering periods.
Olanrewaju, who advised the grand finale of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) 60th Anniversary and 2026 Press Week, held at Jogor Centre, Ibadan, maintained that although journalists have the constitutional right to participate in politics, such involvement must not compromise their professional integrity or undermine public confidence in the media.
He stressed that media practitioners, as the mirror and searchlight of society, must always place the interests of their audience and the general public above personal, political or selfish considerations.
According to him, the public looks to journalists for truthful, credible, and balanced information, making it imperative that they uphold the profession’s ethics at all times.
The governor’s spokesman further expressed concern over the media’s position as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, noting that, unlike the other arms of government, it does not enjoy constitutionally allocated funding and is largely expected to generate its own resources for operations.
He urged journalists to deepen their understanding of the ethics and rudiments of the profession and deploy their skills responsibly to ensure members of the public are not misinformed.
Olanrewaju particularly cautioned journalists against allowing political affiliations to influence their reportage, stressing the need for objectivity, fairness and professionalism, especially as the country approaches election periods.
The colourful grand finale drew past and present NUJ leaders, members of its executive councils from Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states, as well as captains of industry, government officials and other prominent personalities.
Highlights of the celebration included the unveiling of an anniversary magazine, the cutting of the anniversary cake and the presentation of awards to deserving officers and workers of the union in recognition of their contributions.
The event ended on a celebratory note, with guests enjoying musical performances by Sholly Summer.
