Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has stressed the crucial role of journalism in nation-building, citing the legacy of the late Lateef Jakande, a renowned journalist and former governor of Lagos State.
According to him, democracy cannot thrive without a vibrant and responsible media, adding that a free and responsible press is essential for sustaining democracy, promoting transparency, and holding leaders accountable.
Abiodun, who spoke yesterday, during the Third Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), noted Jakande’s remarkable achievements in governance, including free education policies, low-cost housing schemes, and grassroots healthcare delivery.
The governor stressed that journalism is not just about breaking news but also about breaking cycles of poverty, ignorance, corruption, and authoritarianism.
He, therefore, urged journalists to resist the temptations of sensationalism, partisanship, and undue influence from non-state actors.
Also, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Muhammed; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi; former Managing Director of The Guardian, Emeka Izeze; and former Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina, stressed the need for journalists to push narratives that promote unity in diversity.
Malagi said: “The media must follow the rules that govern our profession. If we don’t fight fake news, it can set our country on fire.”
Izeze, on his own, stated: “Journalism can capture our diversity. We can never do our job well if we see ourselves as appendages. Journalists have given a pass too often to those in authority. We are too close to public office.”
Adesina stated the media must be strengthened. To him, if your house is in disorder, you cannot champion ethics.
Former Managing Director of The Guardian, Lade Bonuola, recalled he met Lateef Jakande in 1971. He described him as a great man and the first black man to head International Press Institute (IPI).
Bauchi State Governor underscored the pivotal role of journalism in nation-building, particularly in a multi-ethnic society like Nigeria.
Mohammed, who was the guest speaker at the event, yesterday, titled: “Journalism and the challenges of nation-building in a multi-ethnic society,” held in Lagos, noted the significance of a free press in shaping the nation’s soul.
According to him, journalism is not just about reporting events but also about fostering national consciousness that values justice, merit, and shared destiny.
He said that the media must help to create a national ethos that transcends ethnic differences, promote respect for life, rule of law, dignity of labour, and truth over tribe.
Mohammed noted that the Nigerian media have endured and resisted oppression in many forms, from colonialism to military rule, and paid dearly in the process.
According to him, despite these challenges, the press has remained a crucial pillar of democracy, and its role in promoting national unity and development cannot be overstated.
The governor, who stressed that the media must defend the rule of law, demand credible leadership, champion national reconciliation, promote civic education and language inclusion, and begin with housekeeping by fixing internal issues within media houses, emphasised that journalists must question every candidate, scrutinise every promise, and highlight integrity over popularity.
Mohammed also reflected on the life of Lateef Jakande, a journalist-turned-governor who exemplified simplicity, honesty, and efficiency in governance.
He, therefore, urged journalists to remain steadfast, principled, and patriotic, even in challenging times.
Mohammed stressed that Nigeria’s survival as a nation is imperative, and the media can spark integrity by promoting unity, fairness, and merit.
He also called on journalists to be the spark that ignites positive change in the country, and to remain committed to the principles of good journalism.
