Ibadan, Oyo State (Nigeria): Governor Seyi Makinde has called on journalists to embrace their role as agents of civic education and democratic accountability, rather than instruments of division.
Makinde said this when declaring open the 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, at its Press centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
He urged the media to help citizens make informed choices and hold leaders to the highest standard of integrity.
Makinde, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Mr Segun Ogunwuyi, commended the leadership of the union for its positive impact on the state, noting that as a government, the state would continue to partner with journalists in the state to stimulate progress and development.
He said that the topic of this year’s lecture, titled “Democracy and the Search for Quality Leadership in Nigeria Ahead of the 2027 General Election,” could not have been more timely.
“It speaks directly to the heart of our national challenge: how to strengthen democratic values and ensure that leadership at all levels truly serves the people.
“As we approach another election cycle, it is essential that the media continues to play its noble role, not as a tool for division, but as a beacon of accountability.”
Makinde said the media remained a trusted partner in the journey to build a better Oyo State, founded on transparency, inclusion, and people-centred governance.
The Guest Lecturer, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke, explained why quality and effective leaders would continue to elude Nigeria, noting that those capable of turning around the fortunes of the country for the better would continue to run away from politics.
According to Adegoke, quality leaders will continue to shun Nigeria’s politics due to corruption, bribery, mediocrity, lack of demand for accountability and weak institutions.
He emphasised that for Nigeria to have quality leaders who can turn around the country’s fortune, the people must participate in politics and encourage merit during electoral processes.
Adegoke urged citizens to play active roles in the electoral processes, emphasising that for the country to move forward, the current government must prioritise investing in quality education.
He used the opportunity to appeal to the citizens to work together to build a Nigeria where leaders are chosen based on merit.
Adegoke said, “Democracy is making progress in Nigeria, but the quality of leadership remains a significant challenge due to poor governance, corruption and lack of accountability.
“To bridge the gap between leaders and the led is to carry the citizens along, and to develop our democracy, education is important.”
The Oyo NUJ Chairman, Mr Ademola Babalola, charged journalists to do what they preach through transparency and fairness.
Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker, Oyo House of Assembly, acknowledged that the media was an integral component of governance, and appealed to youths not to shun politics, saying that the majority of them have the capacity to lead the country.
He said, “A lot of youths have the capacity, and what we need to do is to take ownership of our communities. We must not feel inadequate or that we are not up to the task.
“I appeal to the youths to have confidence in themselves and take up the mantle of leadership because they can’t give it to us unless we aspire.”