Journalists in Ogun State have been urged to uphold the ethics of objective and factual reporting, stressing that accurate information dissemination is essential for maintaining peace and stability in society.

The call was made during the annual Ramadan lecture organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Information Chapel, held at the Arcade Ground in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The lecture, themed “Jihad: The Path to Peace, Not a Call to Chaos,” featured the Chief Missioner of Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) Worldwide, Imam Abdul-Azeez Onike, as the guest lecturer.

Drawing from the Qur’an, Chapter 22 verse 78, Onike explained that Jihad is often misunderstood and should not be interpreted as a “holy war,” but rather as a spiritual and moral struggle in the path of Allah for righteous causes.

According to him, the media has a crucial responsibility to correct misconceptions by disseminating accurate information and educating the public.

“The media must play the role of changing the narrative by always presenting the facts. Jihad is not violence as widely misconceived by people; it can simply be acts of kindness and support for those in need,” he said.

In his goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, commended the union for consistently organising the Ramadan lecture, noting that the theme was not only relevant to journalism practice but also to the wider public.

Also speaking at the event, the Asiwaju Adeeni of Ogun State and Chairman of the occasion, Prince Samsudeen Apelogun, alongside the Father of the Day and Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, emphasised that the Ramadan fast provides an opportunity for deep reflection and spiritual renewal.

They urged attendees to adopt the discipline and values of Ramadan beyond the fasting period.

In his address, the Chairman of the NUJ Ogun State Council, Wale Olanrewaju, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to promoting professionalism while also prioritising the welfare of its members.

Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ Information Chapel, Femi Osipitan, said the lecture was organised in line with the chapel’s tradition of educating the public, promoting peace and providing spiritual development for journalists.

Other dignitaries present at the event included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Waheed Adesina; Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Services, Olanrewaju Saka; Alhaja Moriamo Oloko; and the Chief Imam of the Governor’s Office Central Mosque, Imam Abdul-Fattah Inakoju.