The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has called on digital media practitioners to defend Nigeria’s democracy through fact-based journalism and responsible deployment of technology.
Adeleke, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Public Engagement, Hon. Eniola Odeniyi, issued the statement on Thursday, 4th December, 2025 on 2025 Osun Digital Media Week organised by the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) in Osogbo.
He said the rapid evolution of technology and artificial intelligence had created both opportunities and risks, warning that misinformation remains a major threat to electoral integrity.
“Technology may power the future of our elections, but the character of those who use it determines the outcome,” he said, adding that “media professionals ought to have verified the source of their story so as to counter misinformation and providing citizens with truthful information.”
The governor maintained that integrating technology and AI into Nigeria’s electoral system could deepen transparency, reduce irregularities and boost voter confidence, but insisted that only responsible media practice can prevent abuse.
He added that his administration would continue to work with media stakeholders, civil society and technology experts to enhance credible information dissemination across the state.
“We are committed to building systems that uphold democratic values and enhance public trust,” Adeleke said.
Delivering a lecture titled “Harnessing Technology towards Credible Elections and Effective Information Dissemination in Nigeria,” the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, urged online publishers to act as digital gatekeepers and watchdogs against manipulation.
“Your commitment to responsible digital journalism is essential for the survival of our democracy,” he said.
Agboke highlighted PVCs, Smart Card Readers, BVAS and IReV as innovations that have improved transparency, noting that INEC had strengthened BVAS training for corps members, expanded stakeholder engagement and improved verification channels ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
OOPA Chairman, Mukhtar Ajelogbon, said the Digital Media Week was designed to celebrate innovation and strengthen professional responsibility in the online media space.
“As digital publishers, our credibility begins with what we see, what we verify, and what we report,” he stated.
Ajelogbon clarified that the association’s inspection of infrastructure development in Osogbo on Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 was apolitical but a civic duty to assess progress and identify gaps.
“The future of journalism is already here, and it is digital,” he said, urging practitioners to embrace accuracy, accountability and innovation.
He commended Governor Adeleke for supporting the association but stressed that OOPA would remain neutral, objective and committed to truth.
Dignitaries at the event included Mrs Funmi Abokede, GM, Osun CSDA; Dr Saliu Orisunlagba, ADC governorship candidate; Kunle Rasheed Adegoke (K-Rad) SAN, APC governorship aspirant, represented by Mr Adelere Adegoke; and Hon. Moshood Olagunju, Commissioner for Youth Affairs, represented by Hon. Aare Mojeed Oladimeji and Moses Adewuyi.
The Digital Media Week commenced on Wednesday with a press briefing and infrastructure inspection tour in Osogbo, which OOPA described as part of its social responsibility to evaluate development and highlight areas requiring government attention.
