Gov Adeleke Hosts New Osun NUJ Leadership, Harps on Fight Against Fake News
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has tasked the media to remain a strong vanguard against fake news and disinformation as Osun approaches the 2026 Governorship Election.
He also urged journalists in the state to continue to partner the state government in progress to deliver good governance to the people of the state.
The Governor made the call on Thursday while hosting the new Executive Members of the Nigerian Union of Journalist, Osun State Council, led by its Chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin and Secretary, Lekan Akindoju at the Government House in Osogbo.
“I will start by warmly congratulating you and your team on your emergence as the Chairman and officers of the Osun state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). This is a call to duty and a confirmation of deep confidence journalists across the Chapels reposed in your leadership.
“On behalf of the government of Osun state, I hail your emergence as an opportunity to deepen partnership between the government and the NUJ. We must remain supportive partners in progress to deliver good governance in our dear state.
“Our government fully supported your predecessor in office. As you were part of the old executive, you will acknowledge the huge contributions of our government to the NUJ in this state.
“I reiterate our commitment to continue to support the NUJ under your leadership. I have listened attentively to the several programmes and initiatives you listed out. Those proposals provide a strong platform between the government and NUJ.
“I am therefore directing the Commissioner for Information and my Spokesperson to work with the NUJ to implement those ideas. Our government will adopt the initiatives as standing partnership projects between the NUJ and the government.
“On this note, please permit me to task the media to remain a strong vanguard against fake news and disinformation. As Osun is nearing a new election circle, I urge media practitioners to uphold professionalism and ethics of the profession.
“We must ensure balanced news coverage, investigative journalism, zero tolerance for fake news, observance of relevant laws like cyber crime act as well as state and federal laws. We have a duty to embark on voter education and campaign against electoral malpractice.
“The media should be the champions against election manipulations. Journalists are called upon to expose rigging plans and activities targeted at subverting the will of the people.
“As the fourth estate of the realm, you must hold the three arms of government accountable without partisan bias. Journalists are best celebrated as impartial umpires who speak truth to power in the interest of our democracy.
“As you start your tenure, I offer our partnership as we accept your pledge for a new era of mutually beneficial relationship between the state government and the NUJ”, the Governor noted.
Speaking Earlier, the newly elected NUJ Chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin commended the Ademola Adeleke-led Osun State Government over its efforts in the growth and development of Osun state.
Added that the council will continue to support the state government in ensuring effective dissemination of information.
Also speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Barr. Kolapo Alimi had noted that the state government will ensure it addresses every area of concern raised by the NUJ leadership.
Also in attendance are; Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina; Commissioner for Tourism, Hon. Abiodun Fafa, Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Tola Faseru; SUBEB Chairman, Hon. Ibukun Fadipe; NUJ Southwest Zonal Secretary, Abdulrazaq Alege, Former Osun NUJ Chairman, Abiodun Olalere; Osun NAWOJ Chairlady, Bisola Ariwodola, All heads of NUJ Chapels, among many others.