From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has charged trained journalists to take firm control of the media space and push out quacks whose activities, he said, threaten the integrity of the journalism profession.
The Governor said the rise of digital platforms should not be used as an excuse to abandon ethics, stressing that technology does not weaken professionalism or responsible reporting.
AbdulRazaq gave the charge while speaking through his Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Saadu Salahu, at the grand finale of the 2025 Press Week of the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) held in Ilorin.
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He cautioned that press freedom must not be misinterpreted as permission to spread fake news or misinformation.
“I want to call on our colleagues here not to join those who are in the habit of engaging in fake news and misinformation,” the Governor said. “Those who are involved in such practices are not professional journalists. That is why professionals must take charge of the media space so that quacks will not destroy the profession.”
According to him, media organisations must guard their credibility jealously by refusing to publish unverified information, noting that public trust remains the backbone of journalism.
“Freedom of the press is not a licence for misinformation, disinformation and fake news,” AbdulRazaq said. “Part of what builds public confidence in any media organisation is ensuring that it is never found guilty of spreading falsehood or forced to retract its reports.”
He commended journalists in the state who consistently adhere to fact-checking and ethical standards, saying their efforts have helped keep the public properly informed.
The Governor also praised the NUJ for its collaboration with his administration, describing journalists as critical stakeholders in the quest to make Kwara one of the best governed states in Nigeria.
“In the history of Kwara State, by the consensus of the people, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq remains the best Governor,” he added. “This administration has also brought the highest number of journalists and media practitioners into governance.”
The event was attended by top government officials and traditional rulers, including the Oloro of Oro Kingdom in Irepodun Local Government Area, Oba Joel Olaniyi Titiloye Oyatoye Olufayo II.
Speaking at the ceremony, the monarch praised professional journalists for upholding the core values of the profession, while expressing concern over the growing spread of fake news in society.
Earlier, the Kwara NUJ Chairman, Lanre Abdullateef, said the Press Week was organised to allow members to reflect on the profession, interact and assess journalism practice in the past year.
He thanked journalists in the state for their dedication and resilience, noting that their commitment has helped restore the union’s pride.
Ahmed also acknowledged the support of the AbdulRazaq administration, applauding the state government’s media team for standing in solidarity with the union.
He assured that journalists in Kwara would continue to discharge their duties with patriotism and professionalism, while supporting government policies and programmes aimed at development.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of NUJ awards to eminent Nigerians, among them the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu; the Oloro of Oro Kingdom; the member representing Ilorin South in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Maryam Yusuf Aladi; the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo; and the Special Adviser to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Abiola Yunus Abdulkareem.
Several journalists also received awards and cash gifts at the ceremony, which was attended by senior government aides, including the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Jiddah; the Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Alhaji Bashir Adigun; the Senior Special Assistant on Religion (Islam), Alhaji Ibrahim Kale Danmaigoro; and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye.
