Osoba, stakeholders canvass ethical reporting, women inclusion in leadership

Former Governor of Ogun State, and Chairperson of the event, Chief Olusegun Osoba, has called for a renewed commitment to ethical reporting and the inclusion of women in leadership roles in media landscape.

Speaking, yesterday, during the 10th anniversary of the Report Women Programme, organised by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism(WSCIJ) at the Metropolitan Club in Victoria Island, Lagos, Osoba decried the decline of investigative journalism in the country, lamenting that the shifts towards newsrooms has been dominated by unverified information and press releases being passed off as authentic news report.

He said the disregard for thorough investigative reporting paved the way for fake news to thrive which not only tarnishes the credibility of the press but also threatens democracy.

Osoba urged journalists to adhere to the core values of the profession by prioritising truth, accuracy and integrity in their reports.

The former governor also called for a crackdown on bloggers who are eroding the ethics of journalism with unverified information and sensational reporting.

“It pains me when I see how journalism has been reduced today. We have reporters signing off stories they did not write, particularly when they are mere releases from embassies. Back in our day, a reporter would spend weeks investigating a single story to ensure accuracy and depth. Today, ethical reporting is under threat, and fake news has become a norm.

“We must collaborate, share best practices, and commit to creating a media landscape where women’s contributions are not just acknowledged but celebrated. Gender equity in the media is not just a global phenomenon; it is a task for today,” Osoba said.

In her opening remarks, Executive Director WSCIJ, Motunrayo Alaka, lamented the persistent gender imbalance in media leadership, where women remain significantly underrepresented.

She said despite the increasing number of women entering the media space, they are still sidelined in leadership roles.

“Over the past decade, our mission has been to reshape the media landscape to create space for women’s voices. Yet, data shows that women remain underrepresented in newsrooms across Nigeria. Only one in four newsroom leaders is female, and even where women excel, like in health and education, their voices are largely overlooked.”

In his goodwill message, Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, represented by Kabir Alabi, noted that fair and inclusive reporting is not just about ethical journalism but also about fostering a society that values gender equity.

“The media holds tremendous power in shaping public perception. Yet, the portrayal of women still falls short, often reinforcing stereotypes or overlooking their contributions to society. Today, we are not just acknowledging this reality but facilitating change. By pushing for more inclusive journalism, we pave the way for a future where women’s voices are heard and valued in all spheres of life, from politics to business to science.”