Governor Oyebanji Urges Media Practitioners to Uphold Truth in the Age of Misinformation

In celebration of the 59th edition of World Communications Day, the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji, has issued a passionate call for media professionals to uphold the highest ethical standards in their practice, especially in the face of the growing influence of social media and the pressures of misinformation.

The event, which took place at St. Patrick Catholic Cathedral in Ado-Ekiti, was attended by key government officials, religious leaders, media practitioners, and members of the public. The Governor was represented by the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi.

Governor Oyebanji's message was direct and urgent. He emphasized the sacred responsibility held by media professionals, urging them to remain truthful, impartial, honest, and decent in their work. This, he said, is particularly vital in today’s digital era where falsehoods can spread rapidly, eroding public trust and dividing societies.

“Those whose professions are associated with communication and information management must remain the beacon, the bulwark and point of reference for reliable information,” Oyebanji charged.

“those whose professions are associated with communication and information management to remain the beacon, the bulwark and point of reference for reliable information in the present age of social media with its attendant positive and negative implications.”

He described the social media as a double-edged sword - a platform – “with its attendant positive and negative implications” and stressed the need for traditional media professionals to remain reliable sources of verified information in this rapidly changing landscape.

One of the key issues the governor addressed was the increasing financial pressure facing journalists and media outlets. He cautioned against allowing such pressure to compromise journalistic integrity. “Do not succumb to pressure for financial gains which could lead to the temptation to peddle falsehood, engage in deceitful propaganda or propagate divisive information,” he warned.

He also emphasized that “the media space is a public trust which must not be polluted with harmful information and negative cultural influences”.

Despite his strong warnings, the governor expressed deep appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices of those working in the media. He acknowledged their vital role in information gathering, dissemination, and social connectivity, especially in the current era of digital communication.

“The contributions of media practitioners have made human interaction and connectivity more seamless and meaningful,” Oyebanji noted.

He further emphasized the government's commitment to supporting communication development, especially through collaboration with institutions like the church, which play a moral role in society. Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to shared prosperity and societal development, Oyebanji promised ongoing support for the church and other bodies advocating for ethical communication.

“I will therefore continue to support the church as she continues to call attention to the role of communication in society,” he said.

The governor’s remarks aligned with the central theme of World Communications Day, which this year focused on the impact of technology on human relationships and the importance of truthful storytelling in public discourse.

The event at St. Patrick Catholic Cathedral served not just as a ceremonial occasion but as a platform for reflection on the state of communication in Nigeria and across the globe. Clerics and media professionals alike discussed the moral responsibilities attached to information management, especially in a time when fake news and politically motivated misinformation threaten public cohesion.

Governor Oyebanji’s address comes at a crucial time when media credibility is under intense scrutiny and journalists face growing challenges in delivering verified, unbiased, and ethical reporting. His message serves as both a warning and an encouragement — urging practitioners to reclaim their roles as guardians of truth in a world saturated with noise and misinformation.