NUJ Names Oborevwori Media-Friendly Governor Of The Year, Praises Press Freedom Record
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has received the Media-Friendly Governor of the Year Award from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). The recognition reflects his administration’s relationship with the media and its stated commitment to press freedom.
The union presented the award during its fourth Annual Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria on Saturday. The event, held at Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, carried the theme, “Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism and Good Governance.”
Although Oborevwori was represented by his Chief of Staff, Government House, Prince Johnson Erijo, the governor delivered the keynote address. He used the occasion to highlight the responsibility of journalism in protecting democratic institutions and promoting accountable governance.
He maintained that democracy cannot function effectively without a free and responsible press. Citizens, he explained, depend on credible information to understand public affairs, make informed choices and hold their leaders accountable.
According to the governor, democracy protects journalists’ freedom to report, while responsible journalism strengthens democratic institutions. This relationship, he added, keeps government connected to the people and promotes public accountability.
Oborevwori also acknowledged the sacrifices of veteran media practitioners. He argued that their contributions made it necessary to defend press freedom and preserve the professional standards that sustain public confidence in journalism.
Nevertheless, he cautioned that freedom must not become an excuse for professional misconduct. Journalists, he said, must maintain accuracy, fairness and integrity, particularly as misinformation and hate speech spread across digital platforms.
The governor further warned that the race to publish breaking news and attract online attention could encourage the circulation of unverified information. He therefore urged media organisations and practitioners to place factual reporting above sensationalism.
“Public trust is the foundation of journalism. Once lost, it is difficult to regain,” he said, calling on journalists to remain independent, courageous and committed to serving the public interest.
Speaking earlier, NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, said the annual recognition initiative celebrates people whose contributions have made lasting impacts on journalism, humanity and national development.
Yahya praised Oborevwori for maintaining what he described as a cordial working relationship with journalists in Delta State. He said the union’s observations indicated no reported cases of journalists facing intimidation, harassment or arrest while carrying out their professional responsibilities in the state.
He also highlighted the administration’s infrastructure and social welfare efforts. In particular, he commended its road projects, efforts to settle inherited debts and contractual obligations, and support programmes targeting widows, indigent households and other vulnerable residents.
According to the NUJ president, the governor’s decision to accept the invitation demonstrated his recognition of the media’s important role in society. It also reflected the value of constructive engagement between public officials and journalists.
In his remarks, former NUJ President and Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Chris Isiguzo, praised the current union leadership for sustaining the annual recognition programme. He stressed that continuity in leadership helps institutions grow stronger and maintain their relevance.
