The Bishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Osogbo, Rt. Rev. Olu Akinola, and the Particular Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Samuel Ojo, have suggested newshounds to uphold fact, professionalism and duty within the discharge in their tasks.
They made the decision all through the thanksgiving carrier marking the 2026 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Newshounds, NUJ, Osun State Council, held on the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Ogo-Oluwa Circuit, Osogbo on Sunday.
Dr Akinola, whilst handing over the sermon, from the e book of Psalm verse 103:4, described journalism as a significant pillar of nation-building and suggested media practitioners to stay dedicated to their watchdog function in selling democracy and just right governance.
“Cherished newshounds, it’s your accountability to talk the thoughts of the country to the federal government. The federal government isn’t the country; we’re the country,” the bishop mentioned.
He suggested newshounds to file trends in important sectors, together with the financial system, well being, safety and banking, whilst scrutinising govt insurance policies and actions to make sure duty.
The cleric, then again, expressed worry that some newshounds had deserted the reality in pursuit of private pursuits, caution that such practices may just undermine public self assurance within the media.
“Sadly these days, some newshounds have left the reality for pursuit on account of what they want,” he mentioned, urging practitioners to prioritise integrity and accountable reporting.
In a similar fashion, Ojo congratulated the NUJ management and contributors on the once a year Press Week, describing it as a possibility to mirror at the contributions of newshounds to society.
He suggested newshounds to “uphold accuracy, equity and credibility, in particular amid the speedy unfold of data on social media. Chorus from permitting political affiliations, monetary inducements and private pursuits to persuade their stories.”
Ojo also referred to as on media practitioners to make sure knowledge ahead of e-newsletter, seek the advice of related assets and provides all events concerned a possibility to provide their positions, noting that wrong or biased stories may just harm reputations and undermine public believe.
He suggested newshounds to make use of their platforms to advertise peace, solidarity, justice and sustainable building, whilst keeping folks and establishments responsible via optimistic complaint guided by means of information and equity.
The governor’s aide additionally inspired newshounds to embody steady coaching, analysis and technological development, whilst urging them to file govt insurance policies and building initiatives to stay citizens knowledgeable.
The Osun NUJ Council Chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin, additionally suggested newshounds to stay dedicated to fact, equity and accountable journalism because the council marked its 2026 Press Week.