By Gami Tadanyigbe
Dr. Ayodeji Rex Abitogun, FNCS, M.CIoD, has challenged the management and editorial team of The Eagle Times Newspaper to uphold press freedom, professional integrity and accountability while holding leaders accountable in the public interest.
Abitogun, Lead Consultant and Chief Executive Officer of Management Edge Limited, gave the charge while delivering the keynote address at the launch of The Eagle Times Newspaper on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day.
Speaking on the theme, “Soaring Above the Noise: The Eagle, the Press and the Courage to Speak Truth to Power,” he said the newspaper’s name carried a responsibility to pursue truth, demonstrate courage and maintain a broader perspective in reporting issues affecting society.
He noted that while Nigeria’s independence in 1960 granted the country the freedom to govern itself, democracy demanded a deeper commitment to accountability, informed citizenship and responsible exercise of power.
According to him, journalism must go beyond reporting events to investigate the circumstances surrounding them, identify those responsible and explain their implications for the public.
He urged journalists to ask critical questions about abandoned projects, public expenditure, environmental pollution and other issues affecting citizens, stressing that effective journalism must be driven by verification, investigation and context rather than mere repetition of official statements.
Journalism Must Rise Above Misinformation
Abitogun observed that the rapid growth of social media and digital publishing had increased the volume of information available to the public without necessarily guaranteeing its accuracy.
He identified misinformation, disinformation, manipulated images and videos, and artificial intelligence-generated content as emerging challenges confronting the media industry.
He said these developments made credibility more important than speed, urging The Eagle Times to distinguish itself through accurate reporting, fact-checking and public trust.
“In this environment, journalism cannot compete merely on speed; it must compete on trust,” he said.
He added that the newspaper must rise above sensationalism and unverified claims to establish itself as a credible source of information for Nigerians.
Press Freedom Critical to Democracy
The media executive described journalism as an essential pillar of democracy, noting that Nigerian newspapers and journalists had historically contributed to nationalist movements, political debates and the struggle for self-government.
He also acknowledged the role played by journalists, editors, publishers, activists and civil society organisations in sustaining democratic aspirations during periods of military rule.
According to him, democracy extends beyond elections to include strong institutions, accountability, informed citizens and an independent press capable of asking difficult questions.
He described journalism as the creation of a public record that could help future generations understand the decisions, policies and actions of those entrusted with leadership.
“Democracy needs journalism because power needs scrutiny,” he stressed.
“Sometimes the most patriotic question is ‘Why’?” he said.
Charges Eagle Times to Build Public Trust
Abitogun urged the management of The Eagle Times Newspaper to build a reputation for fearless investigation, balanced reporting and ethical journalism.
He encouraged the publication to provide a platform for the powerful to be held accountable and for the voices of vulnerable and marginalised citizens to be heard.
He also challenged the newspaper to report Nigeria’s achievements without overlooking its challenges, criticise policies without destroying hope, and embrace innovation without compromising professional integrity
Congratulating the publisher, editors, journalists and other members of the newspaper’s team, he expressed hope that the publication would make a lasting contribution to national development through credible and responsible journalism.
He concluded by urging the media to defend the freedom won at independence, noting that the loss of press freedom weakens citizens’ ability to hold leaders accountable, while the loss of journalistic credibility undermines democracy.
“Let the Eagle fly,” he declared.