The leadership of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Ogun State Chapter, has called on Nigerian broadcasters to remain steadfast in upholding professional ethics and responsible journalism despite the growing challenges posed by a polarized media environment and the proliferation of fake and unverified news across the country.
The charge was given during a courtesy visit by the Ogun State Chapter of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (Ogun FIBAN) to the Union House, Obantoko, Abeokuta, where the RTEAN State leadership, led by its Chairman, Alhaji Akibu Titilayo, popularly known as Efele, received the delegation alongside members of the State Executive Council.
Speaking during the meeting, the Chairman of Ogun FIBAN, Hon. Chief Olalekan A. Shoyinka (Ayinla Egba), expressed deep appreciation to RTEAN for its sustained contributions to socio-economic development and for the unwavering support extended to the association, particularly during the crisis period that affected FIBAN nationwide. He noted that the personal and collective interventions of members of the union played a significant role in stabilizing the association during challenging times.
Shoyinka explained that the visit was primarily to appreciate the leadership and members of RTEAN for their solidarity and to further strengthen the cordial relationship between both professional bodies. According to him, no organization can thrive in isolation, stressing that collaboration among professional associations remains essential for institutional growth and societal development.
He further assured the union of Ogun FIBAN’s continued media support, emphasizing the association’s readiness to partner with RTEAN in promoting initiatives that positively impact the public.
Responding on behalf of the RTEAN State Executive, the State General Secretary, Alhaji Chief Tiwalade Akingbade, urged broadcasters to remain committed to truth, accuracy, and professionalism, particularly during newspaper review segments and current affairs programmes.
He emphasized that radio broadcasters remain a primary source of verified information for many Nigerians, noting that a significant number of citizens now depend on radio analyses rather than reading newspapers directly.
“Most people no longer read newspapers themselves; they rely on radio newspaper review programmes for verified information, thereby accepting whatever they hear on radio as authentic,” he stated.
Akingbade further warned against the dangers posed by unregulated information dissemination on social media, stressing that broadcasters, as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, must continue to uphold credibility and ethical standards.
“In a society where virtually everyone has become an information carrier on social media without known regulations, many still rely on radio as the major source of credible news. Therefore, media professionals must uphold truth and professional ethics at all times,” he added.
He encouraged broadcasters not to be discouraged by the pressures and challenges associated with maintaining professional standards, describing ethical discipline as the necessary sacrifice of true professionals whose rewards ultimately come with time.
The RTEAN leadership also offered prayers for the success of the new Ogun FIBAN executive and reaffirmed the union’s continued support for the association’s activities.
Members of the RTEAN delegation present at the meeting included the State Chairman, Alhaji Akibu Titilayo, and other executive members, including the State General Secretary, Alhaji Chief Tiwalade Akingbade; the State Deputy Chairman - Operations, Chief Yahya ORIYOMI, among others.
The Ogun FIBAN delegation comprised the General Secretary, Comrade Moses Okunlola; Treasurer, Comrade Oluwatoyin Asakpa; Publicity Secretary, Comrade Olusoji Akindiya; Chief (Mrs.) Kikelomo Ogunsina; Comrade Tolulope Ezekiel Obadare; Comrade Babatunde Somoye; and Comrade Soliu Owoyabu.
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