The 2026 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, commenced on a solemn note of thanksgiving, with a call on media practitioners to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Declaring the week open at a church service in Osogbo on Sunday, Mr Samuel Ojo, Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Ademola Adeleke, described the annual gathering as an opportunity to celebrate the sacrifices, courage, and resilience of journalists who work tirelessly to keep the public informed.
In a speech delivered at the opening service, Ojo commended the leadership of the NUJ, Osun State Council, for sustaining the tradition of the Press Week, noting that the occasion was not merely an annual gathering but a moment of reflection, renewed hope, and rededication to the principles of responsible journalism.
‘Press Week is a special programme organised to celebrate the pen pushers, the men and women who dedicate their time, energy, and intellectual resources to gathering, processing, and disseminating information to the public.
‘It provides an opportunity to recognise the invaluable contributions of journalists to national development while promoting fellowship, professional interaction, and the exchange of ideas,’ he said.
The Special Adviser stressed that journalism is not just a profession but a sacred responsibility that demands truthfulness, fairness, courage, and a strong sense of duty to humanity.
‘As we celebrate these noble contributions, we must remember that through your reports, investigations, interviews, and commentaries, you help to shape public opinion and give a voice to the voiceless,’ he added.
Ojo, however, charged journalists to resist the temptation of allowing personal interests, political affiliations, religious sentiments, financial inducements, or other external influences to determine the direction of their reports.
‘In this era of rapid information sharing and widespread social media influence, the need for accurate, balanced, and credible reporting cannot be overemphasised.
‘One inaccurate or biased report can damage reputations, create unnecessary tension, and undermine public confidence in the media,’ he warned.
He urged media practitioners to always verify facts, consult relevant sources, and give all concerned parties a fair opportunity to present their positions before publishing or broadcasting any information.
The Governor’s aide also called on journalists to embrace training, research, and technological advancement to improve their skills and remain relevant in an ever-changing media environment, adding that the credibility of the profession depends largely on the quality, character, and commitment of those who practise it.
‘Whether you work in print, broadcast, online media, or any other communication platform, you must always recognise the importance of your responsibilities to the public. Do not allow the pursuit of personal gain or the pressure to break news first to overshadow the need for accuracy and fairness,’ he said.
Ojo further appealed to journalists to use the power of the pen and the microphone to promote peace, unity, justice, and sustainable development in Osun State and Nigeria at large, describing the media as a bridge between the government and the people.
‘Constructive criticism should be encouraged, but it must be guided by facts, fairness, and the desire to build a better society. Journalists should avoid sensationalism, hate speech, and reports capable of inciting violence or deepening divisions among our people,’ he stated.
While urging journalists to remain courageous in holding individuals and institutions accountable, he encouraged them to uphold the ethics of the profession and protect the public interest.
The Special Adviser did not fail to highlight the developmental strides of the Governor Ademola Adeleke-led administration, calling on journalists to use their platform to inform the public about the infrastructure and welfare projects provided across the state.
The event, which drew members of the union from across the state, featured prayers, hymns, and goodwill messages, setting the tone for a week of activities lined up to mark the 2026 Press Week.