Journalists have been warned to consciously avoid the pitfalls of cybercrime, which includes cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and property theft, among others, charging them to always fact-check before publishing as facts which are sacred.
The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, gave the caution against the backdrop of allegations of cybercrime offense committed by a journalist as part of activities lined up at the decoration of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Toyin Taiwo, by the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), held in Abeokuta.
According to him, journalists must always practice responsible journalism against the harrowing experiences that would be passed through if arrested and prosecuted for offenses that could be avoided in the course of discharging their watchdog duties.
Describing the honour of the "Pillar of Good Governance" award conferred on Dr. Taiwo as a proof of his dedication to good governance, strategic leadership, and quality support to the present administration in the State, the Head of Service said the honour was a well-deserved one, in acknowledgment of dedication to service and accountability in governance.
"This recognition coming from the media, the watchdog of the society, speaks volumes about Dr. Taiwo's significant role and credibility in the governance structure in Ogun State. The media, as the mirror of society, does not bestow accolades lightly, rather, it recognises those who have genuinely distinguished themselves through their actions and impact.
"Dr. Taiwo's leadership and administrative acumen have been evident in his various roles within the Ogun State Government, including his tenure as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and later as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, while his elevation to the position of the Chief of Staff has only reinforced his reputation as a diligent, strategic and highly competent public servant," the HoS said.
Onasanya congratulated the awardee on the prestigious honour, while urging him to let the recognition spur him to continue to contribute his wealth of experience to the advancement of governance and keep moving the State to greater heights.
He also commended the NUJ for the noble initiative of recognising individuals who have made significant impacts in governance and the society at large, charging them to continue to discharge their duties with the utmost professionalism, and sense of responsibility, constructive criticism, and make objectivity their watch word, saying, well-informed society was crucial to national development.
In their separate goodwill messages, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mrs. Ronke Tokunbo-Peters, a renowned lecturer, Prof. Jendele Hungbo, the Director-General, Office of the PPP, Mr. Dapo Oduwole and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Waheed Adesina, congratulated Dr. Toyin Taiwo for the honour done to him by the NUJ and describing him as a dynamic, energetic, dedicated, worthy, exemplary, committed public servant who is a right peg in the right hole for the deserving honor.
The recipient, Dr. Toyin Taiwo, represented by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, appreciated the NUJ for finding him worthy of the honour and dedicated the award to the good people of Ogun State, who were the ones inspiring him to keep doing more.
Earlier the Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, said the choice of the Chief of Staff was borne out of his effective leadership, one who has used his position to promote socio economic well-being of the state.
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