The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun-East Independent Chapel, has intensified efforts to promote professionalism and strengthen ethical journalism with a capacity-building programme designed to equip journalists with the skills required to navigate the increasingly complex media environment.
The training, which attracted journalists from across the Ogun-East Senatorial District, focused on enhancing professional competence, combating quackery and reinforcing the core values of responsible journalism in an era characterised by misinformation, disinformation and growing pressure to break news first.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled, “Maintaining Good Journalism in a Troubled Ocean,” veteran journalist and Ogun State Secretary of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Comrade Adekunle Olayeni, challenged journalists to remain steadfast in upholding the ethical foundations of the profession despite mounting industry pressures.
Olayeni, a former Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, former Vice Chairman of the NUJ Ogun State Council, former State Correspondent of The Telegraph Newspaper and a staff member of the Corporate Affairs Division of Olabisi Onabanjo University, described credibility as the most valuable asset of any journalist.
According to him, the contemporary media space is increasingly threatened by misinformation, disinformation, economic pressures and the relentless race for breaking news, making adherence to professional standards more critical than ever.
“Today’s media environment is a troubled ocean. The challenges are enormous, but journalists must remain committed to truth, fairness, balance and verification. Credibility remains our greatest asset and once it is lost, it becomes difficult to regain,” he said.
The media trainer stressed the need for journalists to prioritise accuracy over speed, noting that well-researched and verified reports not only educate the public but also strengthen confidence in the media profession.
He also highlighted the importance of grassroots journalism, investigative reporting and effective headline writing, urging journalists to conduct thorough fact-checking before publishing stories.
Olayeni further encouraged practitioners to embrace continuous learning and adapt to emerging digital technologies while maintaining the ethical principles that define journalism.
While acknowledging the transformative impact of technology on news gathering and dissemination, he maintained that the fundamental values of accuracy, objectivity, accountability and service to the public interest must never be sacrificed.
“Technology has changed the way news is produced and consumed, but it has not changed the responsibility of journalists to be accurate, objective and accountable. These values must continue to guide our work,” he stated.
The veteran journalist also urged media practitioners to see themselves as custodians of public trust, stressing that responsible journalism remains vital to national development, democratic governance and an informed society.
He cautioned journalists against sensationalism and unethical practices, calling on practitioners to protect the integrity of the profession despite prevailing challenges within the media industry.
Participants at the virtual training engaged in discussions on ethical reporting, newsroom challenges, professional standards and strategies for sustaining quality journalism in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Speaking on behalf of the chapel, Chairman, Comrade Oluseun Oduneye, alongside Vice Chairman, Comrade Charles Adegbite, Secretary, Comrade Olufunmilayo Adewoju Suleodu, and other members of the executive, commended Olayeni for sharing his vast professional experience and providing practical insights into contemporary journalism practice.
The leadership noted that the training formed part of the chapel’s broader agenda to strengthen professionalism, discourage unprofessional conduct and build the capacity of journalists within Ogun-East Senatorial District.
They reaffirmed the chapel’s commitment to organising similar programmes aimed at improving competence, ethical standards and excellence in media practice.
The training concluded with a renewed call for journalists to embrace continuous professional development and uphold the principles of responsible journalism as the media industry continues to evolve.
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