Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has advised journalists in the state to continue reporting with accuracy, fairness and responsibility.

Governor Oyebanji gave the advice in Ado-Ekiti during the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Ekiti State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)’s 2025 Annual Lecture/Award Ceremony.

The Governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, stressed the importance of verifying information before spreading them.

He said, “First, let me thank you for the important work you do every day. Journalism isn’t just about headlines, it’s about informing the public, uncovering truths, and making sure all voices are heard. In many ways, you are the bridge between the people and those in leadership.

“I encourage you to continue reporting with honesty, clarity, and compassion. Facts matter, and so does the way we tell the story. Keep asking questions, keep digging for the truth, but also remember the power of constructive storytelling in building communities.”

The Governor recalled that a purported aspirant recently alleged, at a Press Conference, that the State Government in “connivance” with private individuals and an illustrious former Governor of the State took a N90billion bond whereas when the most recent domestic debt figures were released, State domestic debt has reduced from N118 billion in September 2022, to N51 billion as at March 2025 due to the prudent management of the State’s finances.

Stressing that it is ludicrous to suggest that the State has taken a N90 billion bond, when the total domestic debt reported by the Debt Management Office for Ekiti State is only N51 billion, Oyebanji wondered why the newsmen at the Press Conference did not do due diligence by asking questions on his source.

The Governor said, “I encourage you to dig deep, ask the hard questions, and challenge power where necessary, but always with a commitment to truth and integrity.

“As the Fourth Estate, your role is indispensable in upholding democracy and transparency. I urge you to continue reporting with accuracy, fairness, and responsibility.

“In today’s fast-moving information age, the pressure to break news quickly should never override the need for fact-checking and ethical journalism. Your work shapes public opinion, holds leadership accountable, and gives voice to those who may otherwise go unheard.

“Let us work together to build a society that values free expression, informed citizenship, and respectful dialogue. Journalists are not enemies of the state, they are partners in the democratic process.”

Noting that the proximity of the gubernatorial election has increased politicking, Oyebanji also called on politicians to shun campaign of calumny and make their campaigns issue-based, stressing that political ambition should not be a do or die affair that may affect the prevailing peace and development in the State.

In his remarks, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Mr. Yinka Oyebode commended members of the chapel and the media community in Ekiti for their role in educating and enlightening the public about government policies and activities.

Mr. Oyebode also urged journalists to intensify fact-checking, especially during electioneering period, warning that unchecked information could lead to misrepresentation of facts and mislead the public.

“As we go into the election year, we must probe further and verify claims made by aspirants. Many write-ups are being circulated without documentary evidence.

Delivering the keynote address, Senator Babafemi Ojudu who was one of the awardees at the event, commended the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, describing it as the best since 1999 and expressed confidence that the coming election would be the easiest yet.

He however cautioned people in the State not to entrust leadership to “unknown quantities” in spite level playing ground provided for all aspirants adding that democracy allows every “bird to fly.”

“I urge the people of Ekiti to vote for Governor Oyebanji (BAO). Do not give your votes to unknown entities. This government has performed excellently and deserves to continue,” Ojudu stated.

He also suggested the need to establish a Journalists’ estate in Ekiti with the backing of the State Government and support of well to do individuals and corporate organizations to support the welfare of journalists.