The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council has called for greater transparency from public officials during its 2025 Press Week Gala and Awards Night. The event celebrated distinguished media professionals and leaders in Ikeja, Lagos. Chairman Adeleye Ajayi emphasized the role of ethical journalism in national development.
The NUJ Lagos State Council hosted its 2025 Press Week Gala and Awards Night last Friday in Ikeja, Lagos State. The gathering served as a platform to honor media professionals and public office holders for their contributions to their fields. During the event, the union appealed to political appointees and leaders to enhance their efforts toward good governance, stressing transparency, accountability, and commitment to the public.
NUJ Chairman Adeleye Ajayi described the Press Week as a key annual event focused on celebrating excellence and the resilience of Nigerian journalists. In his address, he stated, “Press Week is a moment of reflection, renewal, and rededication. Over the past days, we have engaged in meaningful discussions, reaffirming the values that guide our noble profession.” He urged media professionals to uphold accuracy, fairness, balance, and ethical reporting amid challenges like misinformation and digital pressures. Ajayi highlighted that journalists' stories influence policies and public opinion, playing a crucial role in national development, social stability, and democratic growth.
Ajayi also called on leaders to embrace media scrutiny and engage constructively with journalists, noting that public governance is a shared responsibility. Among the awardees was Olusina Thorpe, former Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, who reaffirmed his ongoing support for the NUJ. Other recipients included Olatunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
Wale Akodu, Chairman of the NUJ Lagos Press Week Committee, thanked attendees and acknowledged sponsorship from the Dangote Group and Lotus Bank.