Press Week: Gov Adeleke Urges Journalists to Remain Neutral, Uphold Professional Ethics

By Tosin Olasunkanmi, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged journalists to remain neutral and uphold professional ethics in their reportage, emphasizing that the credibility of the press depends on its independence from partisan influence.

Speaking on behalf of the governor at the 2025 NUJ Press Week Award Ceremony held on Thursday at the NUJ Press Centre in Osogbo, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, congratulated the union for a successful event and commended its leadership for promoting professionalism in the state.

“I can only advise that the NUJ should be apolitical under any condition.

No matter the circumstance, don’t accept gifts that compromise your neutrality,” Alimi said. “If anyone donates anything to NUJ, use it in a way that benefits the Union. But when certain souvenirs boldly display political party names or logos, it is wrong to accept them. The NUJ represents the fourth estate of the realm and must remain neutral.”

In his welcome address, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu, said the press must continue to hold leaders accountable and serve as the conscience of the society.

Ajadosu noted that the media’s role in promoting democracy demands fairness to all political players, regardless of party affiliation.

“Media as the conscience of society has a significant role to play in promoting our democracy. Hence, we must give all political players equal opportunities in the discharge of our responsibilities,” he said.

He further stressed that while the Osun NUJ would remain apolitical, it would continue to be a partner to political actors who genuinely support its programmes and professional values.

Ajadosu also lamented Nigeria’s slow pace of development, linking it to the failure of successive administrations to address fundamental issues such as political instability, poor infrastructure, unemployment, and insecurity.

He called for a review of the Nigerian constitution to reflect current realities and better guarantee citizens’ welfare and security.

The NUJ chairman reaffirmed the union’s commitment to fostering constructive debate, promoting accountability, and strengthening national unity.

The award night, which marked the climax of the 2025 NUJ Press Week themed “Governance and Security in Nigeria: Progress, Challenges and Future Directions,” celebrated journalists and organizations who have demonstrated excellence in their fields.
Publisher of CityMirrorNews, Asiwaju Ayobami Agboola, emerged as Best Online Journalist of the Year, earning accolades for his consistent contributions to online journalism and community reporting.

Speaking shortly after receiving the award, Agboola dedicated the recognition to his newsroom team and the wider Osun media community, describing the honour as “a call to greater responsibility and more impactful storytelling.”

Other awardees included, Lateef Dada of the Sun Newspaper as Best Journalist (Print) of the year, Ismail Azeez of NewsDirect, who won Best Education Reporter of the Year; Tobi Sanusi of Rave FM, who clinched Best News Reporter of the Year; and Femi Ojo of Rave FM, named Best Newscaster of the Year, Yusuf Oketola of Osun Defender won best Crime Reporter of the year while Olusola Aderinto of Osun Defender awarded as the best Photo Journalist of the year.

Rave FM also won Radio Station of the Year, while Western Spring Television was honoured as Best Television Station of the Year.

In the corporate category, Moniepoint received the Corporate Organization of the Year Award, while Imbil Telecom Solutions was recognized for its contribution to telecommunications innovation.

Traditional ruler, Oba Taofeek Akande Iyiola Morenigbade, the Olukoyi of Ikoyi, was honoured as Outstanding Traditional Ruler of the Year, alongside several government officials and professionals recognized for their service and leadership.

Ajadosu, while closing the event, appealed to well-meaning individuals and organizations to support the rehabilitation of NUJ facilities, including its guest house and conference hall, adding that contributions made toward the improvement of the union’s infrastructure “will be remembered in the history of the profession.”