LAGOS/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been named Media-Friendly Governor of the Year by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), as he challenged media practitioners to protect public trust through credible reporting, professional independence and sustained scrutiny of those entrusted with public office.
The recognition came at the fourth edition of the NUJ Annual Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria, held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, where Oborevwori was represented by his Chief of Staff, Government House, Prince Johnson Erijo.
The governor, who delivered the event’s keynote address through his representative, maintained that the survival of democratic institutions depended considerably on the ability of journalists to provide accurate information, question government decisions and keep citizens informed about matters affecting their lives.
Speaking on the theme, “Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism and Good Governance,” Oborevwori said press freedom and democratic accountability were inseparable, stressing that government must recognise the media’s responsibility to scrutinise public policies and demand better service delivery.
He observed that journalism had played a defining role in Nigeria’s political development, particularly during the struggle for independence, resistance to military rule and the country’s return to democratic governance in 1999.
According to him, the sacrifices made by journalists who endured harassment, detention and other forms of persecution in defence of democratic freedoms should serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting press independence.
The governor, however, cautioned that freedom of expression carried professional responsibilities, urging journalists to resist the temptation to sacrifice accuracy for speed, popularity or commercial considerations.
He expressed concern over the spread of misinformation, hate speech and unverified claims through digital communication platforms, warning that such practices could weaken public confidence in journalism and democratic institutions.
“Public trust is the foundation of journalism. Once lost, it is difficult to regain,” Oborevwori said.
He urged media professionals to remain courageous and independent while ensuring that their reports were guided by fairness, verification and the public interest.
The governor also maintained that constructive criticism should not be regarded by public officials as hostility, noting that responsible journalism could expose weaknesses in government programmes, identify areas requiring improvement and encourage more responsive leadership.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining an environment in which journalists could perform their constitutional responsibilities without intimidation or unnecessary interference.
Earlier, the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, explained that the annual recognition programme was established to celebrate individuals whose professional contributions had strengthened journalism, democratic development and service to humanity.
Yahya said the decision to recognise Oborevwori reflected the union’s assessment of his administration’s relationship with media practitioners in Delta State.
He claimed that the union had not recorded incidents of intimidation, harassment or arrest of journalists in the state in connection with the lawful discharge of their professional duties under the administration.
The NUJ President also commended the state government’s infrastructure development initiatives, efforts to address inherited financial obligations and social welfare interventions targeting widows, indigent families and other vulnerable groups.
According to him, the administration’s engagement with journalists demonstrated an appreciation of the media’s role in promoting public awareness, transparency and accountable governance.
Yahya maintained that constructive relations between government and the press remained essential, particularly when journalists were allowed to carry out their responsibilities independently.
The chairman of the occasion and immediate past NUJ National President, Dr Chris Isiguzo, commended the union’s leadership for sustaining the recognition programme, describing institutional continuity as an important requirement for organisational development.
He also emphasised the need for journalists to remain committed to responsible reporting as Nigeria approaches another general election, warning against the manipulation of information for partisan interests.
The ceremony brought together media professionals, public officials and other stakeholders to recognise individuals whose contributions have influenced journalism and national development.
For Oborevwori, the recognition places renewed attention on the relationship between government and the media in Delta State, particularly the need to ensure that the administration’s stated commitment to press freedom translates into continued access to public information, protection of journalists and respect for independent scrutiny.
