Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on journalists and media practitioners to ensure balanced news coverage and maintain zero tolerance for fake news in the discharge of their duties. The governor made the call during a meeting with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, led by its new chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin, who led members on a courtesy visit to the governor’s office in Osogbo on Thursday.

Emphasis on Professionalism and Democracy

Governor Adeleke emphasized the need for professionalism and strict adherence to the ethics of the journalism profession. He charged media practitioners to serve as champions against election manipulation, particularly as the state prepares for the August 15, 2025 governorship election. He stressed that credible journalism remains vital to sustaining democracy.

“As the fourth estate of the area, the media must hold the three arms of government accountable,” Adeleke said. “You have a constitutional and moral responsibility to ensure transparency and fairness in governance.”

The governor congratulated the newly elected Osun NUJ Chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin, on his emergence, describing it as a confirmation of the confidence reposed in him by members of the union. He called on the NUJ to partner with the state government in promoting development and deepening democratic values.

Collaboration for Fair Election Coverage

In his remarks, the Osun NUJ Council chairman, Aboderin, said the visit had two main purposes: to introduce the newly elected executive members of the council and to appreciate the governor for his administration’s support towards the development of journalists in the state. He added that the union sought to re-establish and strengthen collaboration between the state government and media professionals to ensure that the forthcoming governorship election is devoid of rancour.

“We have a proposal to that effect,” Aboderin said. He noted that the union had suggested training programs and seminars for members ahead of the election to enable them to cover the process wholeheartedly and responsibly.

The NUJ chairman requested that the relationship between the media and the current administration be further strengthened to support mutual understanding and effective information dissemination. He also implored the governor to consider the permanent employment of freelance journalists with the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), urging continued assistance to journalists across the state.

Government Stance and Ongoing Efforts

Speaking at the event, the Osun Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, congratulated the new NUJ leadership and appreciated the executives for honoring the government with the visit. He disclosed that the state government maintained a neutral stance throughout the NUJ election and added that efforts were ongoing to ensure that freelance staff of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation would soon be made permanent employees.

The governor’s remarks come at a critical time as Osun State braces for its 2025 governorship election, which will be a key moment in the state’s political landscape. The call for balanced reporting and the fight against misinformation are seen as essential to maintaining public trust in the electoral process.

The governor’s administration has previously launched initiatives aimed at improving media training and increasing access to information for journalists. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance democratic governance and ensure that the media remains an independent and reliable source of information for the public.

As the election date approaches, the role of the media in ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process is expected to grow in importance. Governor Adeleke’s call for zero tolerance for fake news and balanced reporting highlights the administration’s commitment to a fair and transparent electoral environment.