By Gami Tadanyigbe
Dr. Ayodeji Rex Abitogun, FNCS, M.CIoD, has urged Nigerian journalists to uphold truth, accuracy, fairness and accountability in the discharge of their professional responsibilities, stressing that a credible and independent press remains essential to the survival of democracy.
Abitogun, Lead Consultant and Chief Executive Officer of Management Edge Limited, made the call while delivering a keynote address titled “Soaring Above the Noise: The Eagle, the Press and the Courage to Speak Truth to Power” at the launch of The Eagle Times newspaper on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day.
He said the launch of a newspaper bearing the name of the eagle on a day associated with national freedom was symbolic, noting that while independence gave Nigeria the freedom to govern itself, democracy demanded a deeper commitment to accountability, responsible citizenship and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
Speaking on the responsibility of the press, Abitogun urged journalists to go beyond reporting events by investigating their underlying causes, identifying those responsible and explaining their implications for society.
According to him, journalism must not merely report abandoned projects or environmental pollution but should investigate the circumstances surrounding such issues, including the use of public funds and the impact on citizens.
He described this approach as “eagle-eyed journalism,” emphasising that the profession must provide verified facts and context rather than simply reproduce statements from people in positions of authority.
The media expert also cautioned that the growing influence of social media, misinformation, disinformation and artificial intelligence-generated content had made credibility more important than speed in news reporting.
He advised The Eagle Times to distinguish itself through accuracy, verification and public trust, stressing that the ability of virtually anyone to publish information online had increased the responsibility of professional journalists to establish the truth.
On the relationship between journalism and democracy, Abitogun recalled the contributions of Nigerian newspapers and journalists to nationalist movements, the struggle for independence and the restoration of democratic government in 1999.
He maintained that elections alone could not guarantee democracy without strong institutions, accountable leadership, informed citizens and an independent press capable of asking difficult questions.
“Democracy needs journalism because power needs scrutiny,” he said.
Abitogun further challenged journalists to remain courageous when reporting issues involving powerful political, economic, corporate and religious interests, while cautioning against turning the media into either a permanent opponent of government or its public relations department.
He stressed that journalists should report government achievements fairly, investigate failures objectively, verify allegations and correct errors whenever they occur.
According to him, the credibility of the media depends on its willingness to hold itself accountable while demanding transparency from others.
Addressing the relationship between press freedom and professional responsibility, Abitogun noted that freedom of expression, protected under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, must be exercised responsibly.
He warned that press freedom should not be used to justify defamation, fabricated reports, ethnic incitement or deliberate misinformation.
He also called for stronger digital verification skills, fact-checking, data journalism, cybersecurity awareness and artificial intelligence literacy in modern newsrooms, arguing that technological advancement should support rather than replace sound editorial judgment.
On Nigeria’s Independence Day, Abitogun highlighted what he described as the need for intellectual independence, urging citizens and journalists to question public policies, investigate government decisions and demand explanations without being branded disloyal.
He said criticism of public policy should not be equated with hatred for the country, adding that constructive questioning was necessary for democratic growth and national development.
“The next frontier of Nigerian independence must therefore include intellectual independence; the freedom to question, investigate, disagree and still remain Nigerian,” he said.
The keynote speaker urged The Eagle Times to build a reputation as a credible media institution that gives voice to the powerless, holds the powerful accountable and reports national achievements without ignoring the country’s challenges.
He encouraged the newspaper to remain independent without being irresponsible, courageous without being reckless, and critical without losing hope in the country.
Congratulating the publisher, editors, journalists and management of The Eagle Times, Abitogun expressed the hope that the newspaper would distinguish itself through investigative reporting, integrity, innovation and an unwavering commitment to the public interest.
He concluded by calling on the media, government and citizens to protect the freedoms secured at independence, warning that the loss of press freedom and journalistic credibility would weaken the foundations of democracy.
“Let the Eagle fly,” he declared.