Qudirat Hakeem-Apanpa
Veteran journalist Dare Babarinsa has challenged journalists to confront the growing threats of technological disruption, social media misinformation, and declining professional standards while preserving the enduring values of responsible journalism.
Babarinsa, the guest lecturer, presented “Oyo NUJ @ 60: Six Decades of Legacy, Milestones and Lessons for the Future” at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Oyo State Council’s diamond jubilee celebration.
He described Ibadan as a historic centre of political influence, intellectual engagement and social transformation in Yorubaland, noting that the city had consistently played significant roles in shaping public discourse and national development.
According to him, the Oyo State Council of the NUJ has a remarkable history, having been established before the creation of Oyo State itself.
Reflecting on the state’s rich journalistic heritage, Babarinsa recalled the contributions of distinguished personalities, including the late Reuben Fasoranti and Oloye Lekan Alabi, who, he said, would have been significant figures at the anniversary celebration.
He also recalled the historical significance of Ibadan in Nigeria’s media development, citing the arrest of Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, over his involvement in the seizure of a radio station during the military era.
Babarinsa highlighted the contributions of prominent newspaper columnists and intellectuals, including Bola Ige and Afe Babalola, as well as the influence of leading media practitioners such as Peter Ajayi, Segun Osoba and Felix Adenaike, whom he identified as members of the distinguished trio popularly regarded as the media’s ‘Three Musketeers’.
He observed that journalism was undergoing profound changes in 2026, particularly with the rapid expansion of social media and artificial intelligence, which had created new challenges for the traditional media.
While acknowledging the opportunities offered by technological advancement, he warned that the misuse of digital platforms, media piracy and the growing circulation of unverified information were undermining the credibility and economic sustainability of professional journalism.
He urged journalists to embrace new technologies without abandoning the fundamental principles of the profession, stressing that the ability to distinguish credible information from falsehood had become increasingly important.
Babarinsa also called for greater political consciousness among Nigerians, urging citizens to move beyond the pursuit of immediate financial benefits and pursue their rights through constructive and diplomatic engagement.
He further stressed the need to reform the country’s political system as part of efforts to strengthen democracy and achieve meaningful national transformation.
On the 2027 general elections, the guest lecturer urged journalists to promote issue-based campaigns, exercise caution in their reportage and avoid publications capable of triggering political tension and social disorder.
He also called on political actors and security agencies to respect journalists’ constitutional responsibilities and ensure their safety while carrying out professional assignments.
The royal father of the day, the Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Bashir Abioye Abioye, described journalism as indispensable to societal development, commending generations of journalists whose courage and commitment helped shape public opinion and defend democratic values.
He particularly recalled the fearless journalists of the Nigerian Tribune who challenged military authoritarianism, observing that they deployed the power of the pen and intellectual engagement rather than weapons in their struggle for democratic governance.
The monarch urged journalists to embrace technological advancement while remaining committed to the Yoruba values of Omoluabi, which emphasise integrity, responsibility, good character and respect for others.
He assured the NUJ of his continued support, declaring that his palace remained open to the union.
Oba Abioye also encouraged journalists to pay greater attention to Igbeti, particularly its cultural heritage, tourism potential and developmental prospects, saying the media had an important role to play in telling the community’s story to the wider world.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Oyo State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Akeem Abass, urged members to uphold professional accuracy, ethical conduct and responsible journalism, while sustaining the legacies of those who laid the foundation of the union.
Abass said the diamond jubilee offered an opportunity not only to celebrate six decades of the union’s existence but also to reflect on its responsibilities and reposition the organisation for the future.
He called on journalists to improve their digital literacy, strengthen their professional capacity and raise the standards of reportage in response to the changing media environment.
The NUJ chairman also appealed to political actors to guarantee press freedom and protect journalists from intimidation and attacks, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
He advocated peaceful elections, issue-based political campaigns and an environment that would enable journalists to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without fear.
Abass reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the union into an institution that would preserve its collective heritage, strengthen professional solidarity and earn the confidence of future generations.
Earlier, the Chairman of the 60th Anniversary Planning Committee, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, described the celebration as an important milestone in the history of journalism in Oyo State.
The event attracted several prominent personalities, including former NUJ national president, Prince Lanre Ogundipe; former leaders of the Oyo State Council, Alhaji Soladoye and Comrade Adewunmi Faniran; Mogaji Cosmos Olalekan Oni; and Hon. Justice Oladejo Akanbi.
Also in attendance were past and present leaders of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), and representatives of various NUJ chapels across the state.
The participating chapels included those of the Ministry of Information, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Nigerian Tribune, Correspondents’ Chapel and New Media.
The anniversary lecture and opening ceremony brought together journalists across generations to celebrate the contributions of the profession to public enlightenment, democratic development and nation-building, while examining the challenges and opportunities confronting the media in the years ahead.
