By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Prominent social commentator Omoba Rasheed Awofeso has called on media practitioners to uphold strict standards of factual accuracy while urging governments to strengthen legal safeguards for press freedom in Nigeria.
Awofeso made the call while reacting to a recent opinion article titled, “The Power of the Fourth Estate: Why Every Government Must Be Media-Friendly,” which examined the evolving relationship between government and the media.
Reflecting on the transformation of Nigeria’s information ecosystem, Awofeso noted that the country had moved from an era when government largely controlled major print and electronic channels to a more diverse media environment involving private, digital, grassroots and community-based platforms.
According to him, a constructive relationship between government and the media remains essential to transparency, accountability and effective communication with citizens.
“A media-friendly government promotes transparency, accountability, and public trust,” Awofeso stated. “By maintaining open communication with the media, government policies, achievements, and challenges can be properly communicated to citizens, reducing misinformation and rumours.”
However, Awofeso stressed that press freedom must be accompanied by responsible journalism.
He said media organisations should retain the freedom to scrutinise government policies and hold public officials accountable, but should equally ensure that their reports are factual, ethical and balanced.
He also cautioned government authorities against responding to critical reporting through intimidation, censorship or other measures that could undermine the independence of the press.
“A balanced relationship between government and the media strengthens democracy, encourages informed public participation, and supports good governance,” he added.
The opinion article that triggered Awofeso’s response had similarly argued that government-media relations play a significant role in shaping public perception and determining how effectively citizens understand public policies and government activities.
It particularly highlighted the importance of maintaining constructive relationships with grassroots and community-based media organisations, which often serve as a direct link between local authorities and residents.
Awofeso’s intervention therefore places responsibility on both sides of the media-government relationship: while journalists must maintain professional and factual standards, governments must create an environment where independent reporting can thrive without fear of censorship or reprisal.