Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has called on digital media practitioners to protect Nigeria’s democracy through fact-driven reporting and responsible use of technology.
Adeleke, represented by Hon. Eniola Odeniyi, Special Adviser on Public Engagement, gave the charge on Thursday at the 2025 Osun Digital Media Week organised by the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) in Osogbo.
Addressing participants, Adeleke said the rise of technology and artificial intelligence had created new opportunities and new threats, stressing that media professionals must ensure these tools are used to strengthen rather than sabotage democratic processes.
“Technology may power the future of our elections, but the character of those who use it determines the outcome,” Adeleke said. “As custodians of information, digital media professionals must verify facts, counter misinformation and provide citizens with truthful and reliable news.”
He noted that integrating technology and AI into the electoral system could deepen transparency, reduce irregularities and boost voter confidence, but warned that misinformation, if left unchecked, remains a major threat.
Adeleke added that his administration would continue to collaborate with media stakeholders, civil society and technology experts to support digital innovation and improve credible information dissemination across the state.
“We are committed to building systems that uphold democratic values and enhance public trust,” he said.
While speaking, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, delivered a lecture titled “Harnessing Technology towards Credible Elections and Effective Information Dissemination in Nigeria.”
Dr Agboke urged online publishers to act as digital gatekeepers, watchdogs against manipulation and allies of institutions working to safeguard democracy.
“Your commitment to responsible digital journalism is essential for the survival of our democracy,” he said.
He highlighted technological tools, PVCs, Smart Card Readers, BVAS and IReV, as innovations that had broadened transparency, adding that INEC Osun had strengthened BVAS training for corps members, expanded stakeholder engagement and improved verification channels ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
In his remarks, OOPA Chairman, Mukhtar Ajelogbon, said the Digital Media Week was created to celebrate innovation and the contributions of online journalists, while also reminding practitioners of their responsibility in shaping public understanding.
“As digital publishers, our credibility begins with what we see, what we verify, and what we report,” he said.
“Our inspection yesterday was not political. It was a civic duty—an effort to understand what has been done, and what still needs to be done.”
He added that the realities of Nigeria’s digital age require practitioners to deepen their understanding of technology, election processes and information management.
“The future of journalism is already here, and it is digital,” he said.
“We must rise to the moment. We must hold ourselves to higher standards of accuracy, accountability and innovation. That is the essence of OOPA, and that is why this week matters.”
Ajelogbon commended Governor Adeleke for identifying with the association’s vision but emphasized that the media’s responsibility transcends politics.
“OOPA will always remain neutral, objective and committed to the truth,” he said.
Other dignitaries in Attendance Included: Mrs Funmi Abokede, GM, Osun CSDA, Mother of the Day; Dr Saliu Orisunlagba, CMS Shifauk Group of Hospitals & Osun ADC 2026 Governorship Candidate; Kunle Rasheed Adegoke (K-Rad) SAN, APC Governorship Aspirant, represented by Mr Adelere Adegoke; Hon. Moshood Olagunju, Commissioner for Youth Affairs, represented by Hon. Aare Mojeed Oladimeji and Moses Adewuyi.
The event is part of OOPA’s Digital Media Week, which officially commenced yesterday with a press briefing and an inspection tour of key infrastructure locations in Osogbo, activities the association described as part of its social responsibility to evaluate developments and identify areas needing government attention.
