The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has honoured Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, with the Media-Friendly Governor of the Year Award in recognition of his administration’s cordial relationship with media practitioners and commitment to press freedom.
The award was presented at the fourth edition of the NUJ Annual Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria, held on Saturday at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, with the theme, “Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism and Good Governance.”
Oborevwori, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Government House, Prince Johnson Erijo, also delivered the keynote address at the event, where he underscored the importance of a free, independent and responsible press in sustaining democracy and promoting good governance.
The governor described journalism as a critical pillar of democratic governance, stressing that citizens could only make informed decisions and hold public officials accountable when they had access to credible and reliable information.
He noted that democracy and journalism were mutually reinforcing, explaining that while democratic governance guarantees press freedom, responsible journalism strengthens public institutions and ensures that government remains accountable to the people.
Oborevwori also acknowledged the sacrifices of veteran journalists in defending press freedom and advancing democratic values, urging media practitioners to preserve the professional standards that have sustained the credibility of the profession.
However, he cautioned that press freedom must be accompanied by professionalism, urging journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness, integrity and responsibility in the discharge of their duties.
Expressing concern over the increasing spread of misinformation, hate speech and unverified reports, particularly in the digital media space, the governor warned against allowing the pressure to break news or attract online attention to undermine factual reporting.
“Public trust is the foundation of journalism. Once lost, it is difficult to regain,” he said, urging journalists to remain independent, courageous and committed to the public interest.
Earlier, NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, explained that the annual recognition programme was established to celebrate individuals whose contributions have made significant impacts on journalism, humanity and national development.
Yahya particularly commended the Oborevwori administration for maintaining a cordial relationship with journalists in Delta State.
According to him, the union’s observations showed that there had been no reported cases of intimidation, harassment or arrest of journalists in the state while carrying out their professional responsibilities.
The NUJ president also praised the governor’s administration for its investments in road infrastructure, efforts to address inherited debts and contractual obligations, as well as social welfare programmes designed to support widows, indigent families and other vulnerable members of society.
He noted that Oborevwori’s acceptance of the union’s invitation reflected his recognition of the media as an important partner in democratic development and the need for constructive engagement between government and journalists.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and former NUJ National President, Dr. Chris Isiguzo, applauded the current leadership of the union for sustaining the annual recognition initiative.
He described continuity in institutional programmes as essential to building strong organisations and preserving the values upon which such institutions were established.
The recognition further highlights the importance of a constructive relationship between government and the media in promoting accountability, democratic values and sustainable development.
