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.
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