As Nigeria continues to face daunting challenges in governance and public trust, top media professionals, academics, and policymakers gathered in Ibadan on Wednesday to reflect on the nation’s democratic health and propose a roadmap towards credible leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The occasion was the 9th Anniversary Lecture of the South West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP), held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. Themed around governance, accountability, and the role of media in nation-building, the event featured incisive contributions from thought leaders, including representatives of the media, government, and the private sector.
Though initially billed to be delivered by Professor Adeolu Akande, a renowned journalist and former presidential spokesperson, the keynote address was presented on his behalf by Dr. Idowu Johnson. In a deeply analytical presentation, Johnson dissected the foundational crises plaguing governance in Nigeria, tracing many of the issues to what he described as the “capture of the state by the bourgeoisie.”
“Good governance cannot be achieved without effective political leadership,” Johnson said, adding that the Nigerian state has suffered from a persistent leadership deficit for decades.
He noted that the public’s trust in the system has been severely eroded due to the government’s repeated failure to deliver basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare. Johnson contrasted present-day realities with the 1960s and 70s when modest salaries could afford basic living and education. He lamented the state of education and healthcare today, citing the rise in University of Ibadan PhD fees from ₦19,000 in 2003 to over ₦270,000, while lecturers’ salaries have stagnated.
“Service delivery has collapsed. What is the essence of government if the basic needs of the people cannot be met?” he asked.
Johnson identified corruption, maladministration, embezzlement, and unregulated campaign finance as the most damaging obstacles to governance. He argued that the lack of accountability for corrupt leaders has emboldened others, creating a vicious cycle of impunity.
He challenged journalists and civil society to be more ambitious and active in political participation, stating that “the financial cost of running for governorship is no less than ₦50 billion,” which sidelines credible candidates and entrenches elite dominance.
Other highlighted barriers include:
Abuse of the rule of law by the powerful
Ethno-religious politics
Exclusion of youth and women
Election rigging and vote buying
Irrelevant, wasteful projects funded at public expense
To reverse the decline, Johnson proposed comprehensive electoral reforms, including the electronic transmission of results, restoration of public confidence in INEC, institutional strengthening of anti-corruption agencies like EFCC and ICPC, and broader citizens’ participation in issue-based campaigns. He also urged voters to elect leaders with sound economic knowledge while rejecting divisive, identity-based politics.
Earlier, SWEGOP President Pastor Bisi Oladele reiterated the guild’s commitment to promoting professionalism and ethics in online journalism. He emphasized the role of digital media in restoring democratic values and bridging the trust gap between citizens and government.
“SWEGOP was formed not only to regulate the digital news space but also to promote good governance through responsible journalism and public enlightenment,” Oladele said.
Delivering another keynote, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, veteran broadcaster and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, urged online publishers to embrace the weight of their responsibility in shaping public opinion. He encouraged them to:
Report accurately and promptly
Educate voters
Counter misinformation and hate speech
Track campaign promises
Promote peace and inclusion
“The online media must serve as watchdogs, holding government accountable while empowering citizens to engage actively in democratic processes,” Farounbi stated.
He warned against the recycling of political leaders and called for greater engagement with young Nigerians, particularly via social media, to deepen democratic participation.
Also in attendance was Mr. Awowole Brown, representing the Dangote Group, who conveyed the congratulations of Alhaji Aliko Dangote to SWEGOP on its 9th anniversary. Brown acknowledged the resilience of Nigerian journalists amid harsh economic conditions and reaffirmed the Dangote Group’s support for online media. He praised online publishers for rising above dismissive labels such as “internet infestations” to become credible voices in public discourse.
