As Nigeria continues to face challenges in governance and public trust, top media professionals, academics, and policymakers gathered in Ibadan on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, to reflect on the nation’s democratic health and propose a roadmap towards credible leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The occasion was the 9th Anniversary Lecture of the South West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP), held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
Themed “Governance, Accountability and the Role of Media in Nation Building,” the event featured incisive contributions from thought leaders, including representatives of the media, government, and the private sector.
In a deeply analytical presentation of a keynote address, Dr Idowu Johnson, who delivered it on behalf of Professor Adeolu Akande, a renowned journalist and former presidential spokesperson, dissected the foundational crises plaguing governance in Nigeria, tracing many of the issues to what he described as the “capture of the state by the bourgeoisie.”
“Good governance cannot be achieved without effective political leadership,” Dr Johnson said, adding that the Nigerian state has suffered from a persistent leadership deficit for decades.
He noted that the public’s trust in the system has been severely eroded due to the government’s repeated failure to deliver basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare.
Dr Johnson contrasted present-day realities with the 1960s and 70s when modest salaries could afford basic living and education.
He lamented the state of education and healthcare today, citing the rise in University of Ibadan PhD fees from ₦19,000 in 2003 to over ₦270,000, while lecturers’ salaries have stagnated.
“Service delivery has collapsed. What is the essence of government if the basic needs of the people cannot be met?” he asked rhetorically.
Johnson identified corruption, maladministration, embezzlement, and unregulated campaign finance as the most damaging obstacles to governance.
He argued that the lack of accountability for corrupt leaders has emboldened others, creating a vicious cycle of impunity.
He challenged journalists and civil society to be more ambitious and active in political participation, stating that “the financial cost of running for governorship is no less than ₦50 billion,” which sidelines credible candidates and entrenches elite dominance.
Other highlighted barriers include abuse of the rule of law by the powerful, ethno-religious politics, exclusion of youth and women, election rigging and vote buying, and irrelevant, wasteful projects funded at public expense.
To reverse the decline, Dr Johnson proposed comprehensive electoral reforms, including the electronic transmission of results, restoration of public confidence in INEC, institutional strengthening of anti-corruption agencies like EFCC and ICPC, and broader citizens’ participation in issue-based campaigns.
He also urged voters to elect leaders with sound economic knowledge while rejecting divisive, identity-based politics.
Earlier, the SWEGOP chairman, Pastor Bisi Oladele reiterated the Guild’s commitment to promoting professionalism and ethics in online journalism.
He emphasized the role of digital media in restoring democratic values and bridging the trust gap between citizens and government.
“SWEGOP was formed not only to regulate the digital news space but also to promote good governance through responsible journalism and public enlightenment,” Oladele said.
Delivering another keynote, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, veteran broadcaster and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, urged online publishers to embrace the weight of their responsibility in shaping public opinion.
He encouraged them to report accurately and promptly, educate voters, counter misinformation and hate speech, track campaign promises, and promote peace and inclusion.
Farounbi stated: “The online media must serve as watchdogs, holding government accountable while empowering citizens to engage actively in democratic processes.”
He warned against the recycling of political leaders and called for greater engagement with young Nigerians, particularly via social media, to deepen democratic participation.
Also in attendance was Mr. Awowole Brown, representing the Dangote Group, who conveyed the congratulations of Alhaji Aliko Dangote to SWEGOP on its 9th anniversary.
Brown acknowledged the resilience of Nigerian journalists amid harsh economic conditions and reaffirmed the Dangote Group’s support for online media.
He praised online publishers for rising above dismissive labels such as “internet infestations” to become credible voices in public discourse.
Also at the ceremony, awards were given to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Oyo State, Prince Dotun Oyelade; and the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Dr Babatunde Olomu.
Among other dignitaries present at the event were Prof Niyi Osundare, former Managing Director/E-I-C, Nigerian Tribune newspapers, Mr Biodun Oduwole and his wife; the Governor Seyi Makinde’s Special Adviser (Media), Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju; Oyo Ministry of Information’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Rotimi Babalola; as well as the chairman and secretary of Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ademola Babalola and Sola Oladapo.
Others were Oyo State security agencies’ Public Relations Officers from the Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA).
