Journalist-cum politician, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu on Wednesday, acknowledged difficult and life-threatening roles, played by practitioners in entrenching stable democracy in Nigeria, saying they deserves better treatment and motivation from the system.
He spoke in Ado-Ekiti , the Ekiti State capital, as the guest speaker at the 2025 Annual Lecture, Award Ceremony and Fund Raising for Digital Journalism Tools, organised by the Correspondents Chapel of the Ekiti State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ).
He blamed Journalists in Nigeria for their woes, by the error of always focusing too much attention on government activities and politics, while abandoning other areas of life.
Ojudu, once an ace journalist and later, a politician, said it was regrettable that journalists in the country are not getting commensurable appreciation, in return for risking their lives to make democracy work in the country.
He spoke as the guest speaker at the 2025 Annual Lecture, Award Ceremony and Fund Raising for Digital Journalism Tools, organised by the Correspondents Chapel of the Ekiti State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ).
Ojudu, whose topic of lecture was, ” Role of Media in Changing the Narratives of Democracy Prospects in Nigeria – Ekiti Perspective”, said journalists must continually distinguish themselves as anchors of progress, by working hard for sake of promoting rights of the people, rather than pursuing self aggradisement.
” If you must make a mark in journalism, do not aim to pursue money at all cost, and by all means. Journalism does not sentence you to pursuing money, or make you to be drenched in utter poverty. Look for other decent mens of getting money without necessarily having to fall into hands of those looking for you”, he said.
Continuing, he said, “Without the courage of the media, advent of stable democracy that many people are today enjoying, would have been a mirage
” So, I expect the larger public to show more of elements of appreciation to journalists”, he said.
However, Ojudu warned journalists to refrain from dangerous reportage of events in the name of poor investigation and lack of background of materials.
” Journalists are to be very careful and avoid false, and orchestrated reports.
” Journalists must also also shift from celebrating only politicians and money and, but celebrate every good person in the society, including the best journalist, of the year, best farmer of the year, best teacher of the year, and best traditional ruler, or Doctor of the year, and so on”.
The media can never be praised for whatever they do. People will always ask questions.
Also, journalists must have courage to draw attention to fake contracts and poorly executed congrats, without any fear or favour.
State Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, in his address, thanked media practitioners for their objective reportage of events in the state, a d appealed to them to engage more in area of balancing.
Also speaking, the Chief Press Secretary, (CPS) to the governor, Olayinka Oyebode, commended Correspondents in the state for the good work they are doing in the state, and promised to continue to allow for a a convenient working environment.
He also admonished them to focus more on area of investigative journalism, by trying to cross-check facts of the matter, before going to the press to publish.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Correspondents Chapel, Raphael Ogbonaiye explained that the event was an annual one, in which the chapel NUJ showcased it’s activities, and also award distinguished Nigerians, who are deemed to have excelled in their chosen careers, and contributed meaningfully to the society.
In a goodwill message, the State NUJ Chairman, Kayode Babatuyi said It is only Ekiti that does not have a befitting press centre in the country.
He appealed to all levels of government to rally round journalists, in whatever way possible, especially through improved welfare package, to be able to deliver on their mandate of informing, and educating the society.
” A society where journalists are not properly recognised, will always run into crisis”, he said.
The royal father at the event, the Iyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye, represented by Chief Babatunde Ologuntoye, the Arowa of Iyin-Ekiti, commended journalists in the country and Ekiti, for their key Rolex, and urged them to continue.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Correspondents Chapel, Raphael Ogbonaiye explained that the event was an annual one, in which the chapel NUJ showcased it’s activities, and also award distinguished Nigerians, who are deemed to have excelled in their chosen careers, and contributed meaningfully to the society.
