The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has named Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, its Media-Friendly Governor of the Year, citing his administration’s cordial relationship with the press and its commitment to press freedom.

The honour was conferred at the fourth edition of the NUJ Annual Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria, held on Saturday at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, under the theme “Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism and Good Governance.”

Also Read : How Buhari Deceived Me, Made Me Lose APC Primary to Tinubu — Amaechi

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Government House, Prince Johnson Erijo, the governor delivered the keynote address, in which he stressed the role responsible journalism plays in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting good governance.

Oborevwori described a free and responsible press as indispensable to democracy, saying citizens could make informed decisions and hold public officials to account only when they have access to credible information.

Democracy and journalism, he said, reinforce each other: democracy guarantees press freedom, while responsible journalism strengthens democratic institutions and keeps government connected to the people. He added that the sacrifices of veteran journalists underscore the need to protect press freedom and to uphold the professional standards that give journalism its credibility.

Press freedom, however, must be matched by professional responsibility, the governor said, urging journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness and integrity in their reports.

Related Stories

He warned against the spread of misinformation, hate speech and unverified reports, particularly in the digital age, where the pressure to break news and attract attention can sometimes undermine factual reporting.

“Public trust is the foundation of journalism. Once lost, it is difficult to regain,” he said, urging media practitioners to remain independent, courageous and committed to the public interest.

Comrade Alhassan Yahya, the NUJ National President, said the recognition programme was conceived to celebrate individuals whose contributions had left lasting impacts on journalism, humanity and national development.

He commended the Oborevwori administration for maintaining what he described as a cordial relationship with journalists, noting that the union’s observations indicated no reported cases of intimidation, harassment or arrest of journalists in the state in the discharge of their professional duties.

Yahya also praised the administration’s investments in road infrastructure, its efforts to settle inherited debts and contractual obligations, as well as social welfare programmes targeted at widows, indigent families and other vulnerable groups. According to him, the governor’s acceptance of the invitation demonstrated his appreciation of the media’s role in society and the importance of constructive engagement between government and journalists.

Dr. Chris Isiguzo, a former NUJ President who chaired the occasion, commended the union’s current leadership for sustaining the annual recognition initiative and described continuity in leadership as essential to building strong institutions.