As Adefaye Calls For Credibility In Digital Journalism Practice

The Department of Mass Communication, LASUSTECH in partnership with the DSE Foundation, on Wednesday celebrated the enduring contributions of Lateef Jakande, a trailblazing journalist and former Governor of Lagos State featuring a keynote address by the Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Mr Gbenga Adefaye.

Speaking at the event, Adefaye addressed the evolving role of journalism in the digital era while highlighting critical lessons from Lateef Jakande’s legacy to guide contemporary journalism. He underscored that credibility remains paramount, urging journalists to earn trust through transparency, humility, and rigorous reporting in an era where anyone with a smartphone can claim to be a journalist. He also advocated embracing technology such as data journalism and immersive storytelling—while retaining the ethical backbone exemplified by Jakande, who mastered the tools of his time, including print and broadcast media.

The former Editor-in-Chief at Vanguard newspapers emphasised that journalism must remain a mission-driven civic enterprise, not a commercial cartel, urging practitioners to monetise truth without compromising its integrity. He further stressed the importance of journalists as educators, using digital tools to foster public reasoning rather than personal branding, and ensuring that editorial platforms prioritize substance over spectacle.

Adefaye reminded attendees that journalism’s essence lies not in its medium but in its integrity, purpose, and accountability. Digital platforms, he noted, are today’s printing presses—tools that can either liberate or manipulate. Journalists must guide this transformation by infusing new technologies with timeless values, ensuring that journalism remains a beacon of truth and service, as Jakande exemplified.

Also speaking at the event were veterans including Chief Monzor Olowosago, the Publisher of Oriwu Sun newspaper, Mr Taiwo Obe, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin as well as the General Manager of LTV 8, Mrs Adesola Kosoko who took the conversation forward during the panel session and emphasised the importance of credibility in journalism practice.

The Vice Chancellor of LASUSTECH, Prof Olumuyiwa Odusanya in his welcome address described the event as the contribution of the University to the memory of the former Governor of Lagos State whose legacy continues to model good governance.

“It is our contribution to the memory of the ‘Active Governor’ whose legacies continued to model good governance. Furthermore, it signifies our appreciation of his commitment to both education and journalism, being a distinguished journalist.

“I thank the DSE Foundation for this collaboration. We believe this is the beginning of a robust and beneficent relationship. I thank the keynote speaker, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye and other panelists for coming to the event. I congratulate the Ag. HOD, Mass Communication, Dr. Steve Adesemoye and the Department for organizing the event.

“The Department of Mass Communication, LASUSTECH is inspired by Adefaye’s call to action and Jakande’s legacy. The department is particularly intrigued by the proposal to explore Jakande’s untapped journalistic archives, as suggested in collaboration with stakeholders.”