November 28, (THEWILL) — The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has observed that democracy cannot thrive where journalism becomes partisan or driven by unverified narratives.
Professor Yilwatda, who delivered a public lecture on “Strengthening the Media for Credible Reporting and Democratic Accountability” and an Investiture/Award at the 2025 Press Week, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Benue State Council, held in Makurdi, the state capital.
“Government and political parties, including our own, must accept criticism. It is a vital part of democracy. But criticism must be rooted in facts, not propaganda”, Yilwatda stated.
The APC national chairman noted that Nigeria needs journalists who verify before publishing, prioritise national unity above political rivalry, and hold power accountable without becoming political actors.
Prof. Yilwatda, appealing to journalists to use the pen to heal society rather than divide it, pointed out that when the press loses objectivity, the nation also loses direction.
“Today, technology has democratized information; any citizen with a smartphone can shape public discourse. This is powerful, but also dangerous. We must confront the realities: Fake news often travels faster than truth, deep fakes threaten credibility”, he declared.
He added that Online harassment places journalists at risk, saying the pressure for speed sometimes replaces accuracy, urging Professional journalists not to surrender the information space but instead, lead it.
“Fact-checking, digital literacy, data-driven reporting, and technologically equipped newsrooms are no longer optional; they are essential. As a party, we stand for a media environment where freedom is protected, and responsibility is upheld”, Yilwatda added.
While assuring that the APC-led Federal Government will continue to work toward strengthening the economy, improving security, and building inclusive national development, he, however, noted that no reform can succeed without the understanding and support of the people, and journalists make that possible.
“You help citizens understand policies, track progress, and highlight gaps that require attention. You bring the frustrations and aspirations of ordinary Nigerians to the table of decision-makers”, he said.
According to him, the partnership between the media, government, and citizens must remain strong, anchored on mutual respect, transparency, and patriotism.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, who was the distinguished guest of honour at the ceremony, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the concerns and welfare of journalists in the state.
He also assures of strengthening government–media relations for effective information dissemination, reiterating his commitment to renovate the NUJ State Secretariat and clear the backlog of the Council’s outstanding dues owed national secretariat.
Governor Alia, represented by the Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Dr Peter Egbodo, noted that his administration values with deep appreciation the diligence with which the union mobilised the public towards achieving the goals of his administration for enhanced growth and development of the state.
He assured that the government would not rest on its oars in strengthening the Information sector towards effective performance of its primary responsibility to inform, educate and entertain the public and to counter false narratives by enemies of the state.
Governor Alia commended the leadership of NUJ for embarking on programmes with direct bearing on the welfare of its members and urged them to maintain the tempo for the greater good of the state.
He therefore called on the union to forward the bills of quantity on the proposed NUJ Lock-Up Shops project to his office for the government’s assistance.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Douglas Pepe, SAN, charged the press to remain accountable while safeguarding democracy.
On her part, the Chairlady of the occasion, Ambassador Jennifer Gbishe Igoh, urged journalists to focus their reporting on building society.
NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, represented by the national trustee, Comrade Nancy Orshi, commended Governor Alia for reviving the Benue NUJ and ensuring timely salary payments to workers.
In his presentation, former House of Representatives member for Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo, Hon. Francis Ottah Agbo, urged journalists to take their place as the 4th estate of the realm and encouraged them to uphold the ethics of the profession by conducting thorough research before publication to promote truth and accuracy.
Agbo, therefore, charged members of the public to keep watch on journalists to ensure that they publish only the accurate, balanced reports of events in the society.
Earlier in his welcome address, NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, described the Press Week as a time for reflection and growth, and appealed to the governor to provide an official car for the chairman’s office, noting that the union’s bus donated by the State Government is already overstretched.
According to Comrade Ugber, the union performed the groundbreaking for 20 lock-up shops at the NUJ Secretariat to boost revenue, noting that several organisations, including Bauhaus Global Construction Company, supported the project with materials and equipment.
Highlights of the event were the presentation of awards to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Dr Timothy Tiza, Okibe Onoja, and Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, as well as the presentation of certificates of recognition to several journalists, including Chief Goddy Ikyereve, Dr Bem Mngutyo, Terhemen Ater, and Abraham Aondo, among others.
