From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Senator representing Kwara North, Sadiq Suleiman Umar, and the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences at the University of Ilorin, Professor Lukman Adeshina Azeez, have called on Nigerians to take a more active role in the country’s democracy and governance.
Speaking at the grand finale of the Press Week celebration organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, Senator Umar stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and civic engagement in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
He urged citizens to go beyond voting during elections and actively monitor government activities to ensure public officials are held accountable.
Senator Umar also highlighted the challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy, including corruption, political disenfranchisement, and public distrust in institutions.
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He encouraged Nigerians to tackle these issues by staying engaged in the political space and holding leaders accountable.
Similarly, Professor Azeez, in his lecture titled “Accountability and Transparency: How Journalism Can Foster Good Governance,” emphasized the critical role of the media in ensuring good governance.
He pointed out that the press serves as a watchdog, tasked with monitoring the conduct of government officials and agencies, and exposing unethical practices such as corruption and nepotism.
Professor Azeez explained that by providing accurate information and promoting transparency, the media enable citizens to make informed decisions and contribute to the democratic process.
He added that investigative journalism plays a vital role in holding those in power accountable and fostering good governance.
Both speakers urged the media and citizens to collaborate in creating a more inclusive and participatory democracy, stressing that good governance can only be achieved when citizens remain actively involved in the political process.
