The Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has called on Information Officers in the State to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and avoid politicizing their responses to misinformation, stressing that accuracy, responsibility and digital engagement must remain at the heart of public communication.
Dr. Oyebanji gave the charge on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti during the 2025 Press Week of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Information Chapel, where she was formally decorated as the Grand Matron of the Chapel.
In her remarks, the First Lady expressed profound appreciation for the honour, describing it as humbling and deeply encouraging. She emphasized the critical role of the media in nurturing democracy and promoting public trust.
“In moments of silence, journalists give the people a voice; in moments of uncertainty, they provide clarity. Ekiti is blessed with professionals who understand the power of truth and the duty of fairness”. She said.
Dr. Oyebanji commended journalists in the State for their dedication to credible, objective and development-focused reporting, noting that responsible communication remains central to the growth of every progressive society.
“You are the bridge between the government and the governed; the guardians of truth and the mirror that reflects our collective progress. Your work shapes public perception, guides policy direction and strengthens the social fabric of our dear State”. She added.
Reassuring the union of her support, the First Lady pledged to continue fostering collaboration built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to advancing Ekiti State.
Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser on Information to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, praised the First Lady for her unwavering support to journalists and for championing various developmental initiatives across the state.
He commended Information Officers for their efficiency in disseminating government-related information.
In his goodwill message, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, applauded the union for recognizing excellence and urged Information Officers to improve their visibility by publishing reports and feature stories in national newspapers, as well as leveraging social media to showcase activities in MDAs, communities and ongoing development projects.
The State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, represented by the Financial Secretary, Mr. Lawrence Ibitoye commended the First Lady for her contributions to the welfare of journalists.
The State Chairman assured that the Union would continue to publicize the achievements of the Oyebanji-led administration without resorting to propaganda.
Responding on behalf of all awardees, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, thanked the Information Chapel for the recognition and reaffirmed their commitment to the continued development of the state through dedicated service.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the NUJ Information Chapel, Comrade Wale Obelewaji, highlighted the achievements of his administration, including upgrade of the chapel secretariat, capacity-building workshops and fulfilling the chapel’s financial obligations to the State Council.
He appealed to the First Lady to help facilitate the payment of weigh-in allowances for Information Officers, facilitate the appointment of officers who passed the final stage of the Permanent Secretary examination and assist with the procurement of a shuttle bus for the chapel.
Other awardees at the event included Engr. Folorunso Omoya, Dr Adediji Oluwagbenga, Mr. Gbenga Emiloju; the Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Olaniran Olatona and the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani.
Dignitaries present were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; the General Manager of BSES, Mr. Rotimi Popoola and other senior government officials.