Analysing the role of journalists in ensuring accountability, transparency, and development in Nigeria, the event opened with Dr. Peter Bamkole, PAU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin), noting the importance of reliable and trustworthy reporting. 

He stated, “Truthful narratives promote constructive engagement instead of negativity.”

The panel of media professionals, including Magnus Onyibe (Public Policy Analyst and Author), Fisayo Soyombo (Founder, Foundation for Investigative Journalism), Sherriff Quadry (Broadcast Journalist, Nigeria Info), Margaret Agada-Mba (Lecturer, PAU), and Jonathan James Lyamgohn (Media Consultant), spoke on the multifaceted challenges of journalism in Nigeria. 

Moderated by Onyinyechi Aderibigbe (Nigeria Info) and Elizabeth Musa (Business Day), the panellists discussed how journalists must serve as watchdogs, acting as agents of change and intermediaries between the government and the public.

Sheriff Quadry reiterated the difficulty faced by Nigerian journalists. “Even when you know your ethics and are committed to your responsibilities, it’s often an uphill battle to do your job,” he said. 

This challenge, Quadry noted, is compounded by the perception among public officials that they are not to be questioned or scrutinised. Journalists, therefore, must exhibit extraordinary resilience and sacrifice to ensure they fulfil their role as custodians of truth.

A valid point raised by Fisayo Soyombo was the tendency of appointed officials to view media reportage as an attempt to undermine their success. “It takes more than courage,” he said, “it requires a strong commitment to education, sacrifice, and a deep sense of responsibility to overcome the complex sector of Nigerian governance.”

He argued that the solution to harassment is “more journalism,” and stressed that the journalist’s core duty is uncovering the truth.

Margaret Agada-Mba raised a question about whether the government sees the media as partners in national development. She argued that effective media engagement could be very useful in driving societal progress.

Despite these challenges, the importance of the media in nation-building was reiterated throughout the discussion, exploring how effective media engagement can drive positive societal change. 

Jonathan James Lyamgohn spoke on the importance of maintaining respect, patriotism, and press independence while engaging with the government. He reminded the audience that journalists are the “fourth estate of the realm” and that “our ultimate employer is the people.” 

This perspective highlighted the responsibility journalists hold in shaping public opinion and holding power to account.

He argued that while there must be room for constructive criticism, journalists must also be mindful of the broader implications of their reporting. A delicate balance must be maintained between transparency and the potential harm that can come from misrepresenting sensitive issues, particularly in a diverse society like Nigeria.

Magnus Onyibe further advised journalists to uphold integrity when collaborating with government bodies, stressing that this balance is essential for safeguarding press freedom while enabling constructive dialogue. 

Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun added that cultural sensitivities should not hinder press freedom, reminding journalists of their role as truth-tellers and the importance of mentoring future generations.

Negative reportage should not be sensationalised, but presented with care to avoid escalating tensions or public unrest.

The Role of Digital Technology and Fact-Checking

The conversation shifted to the impact of digital technology on journalism. It was noted that the rise of digital platforms and social media has disrupted traditional journalism, often leading to the spread of misinformation. 

This has further complicated the job of professional journalists, who now face competition from unregulated sources of information. Citizen journalism is on the rise, but it comes with its own set of risks. The public often cannot distinguish between trained journalists and those who simply present news without verifying facts.

In this context, the importance of fact-checking was stressed. Speakers urged journalists to take extra care in verifying information, particularly in the fast-changing digital world where false news can spread rapidly.

“It’s important that news organisations invest in fact-checking mechanisms, because once misinformation is out there, the damage is often irreversible.”

As the event drew to a close, there was a consensus on the need for the media to maintain its role as a gatekeeper of information while being mindful of the powerful influence it holds over public opinion. “We must be transparent and honest, but also sensitive to the context in which we operate,” Quadry said. 

“Journalists in Nigeria cannot afford to operate without caution, especially given the nature of our political and social environment.”

In Nigeria, where the line between critique and defamation can be blurred, journalists must continue to act as the voice of the people while scaling the complexities of reporting in a politically charged atmosphere. 

The PAU Media Roundtable called for a resuscitated focus on constructive media engagement that supports national development while holding those in power accountable.

The new executives include renowned broadcaster Gbemileke Oscar Oyinsan as President. Oscar, who comes with a lot of experience, is an all-round media personality, with established renown in Radio, TV, Advertising and Production. He is household name, as he has been in front and behind the cameras for over 20 years.

To assist him as Vice President is the delectable Onyebuchi Odianjo, a Corporate Relations professional in the Energy sector.  While Fumnanya Ochei, a prolific Film producer in Nollywood will serve as Secretary.

Other members of the executives are Austen Osokpor, a versatile and strong media advocate heading the Communications & PR Committee, saddled with the responsibility of maintaining transparent and effective communication for the group across all channels.

Austen is currently head of Corporate Communications at Ecobank Nigeria; Efeturi Doghudje, a Communications Specialist with over sixteen years of experience in marketing, public relations, digital marketing strategy and branding will also serve as Head, Membership Committee.

This committee seeks to increase and maintain active participation within PAUAA; and Yusuf Oladejo, an experienced Multi-Cloud Support Engineer is the Head, Alumni Chapters Committee, poised to establish and support regional and all affinity-based alumni chapters.

He will guide the creation and activities of chapters, ensuring alignment with PAUAA’s mission.

Also in the team are; Ginika Frank-Durugbor, head of Corporate Communications at Lafarge Africa Plc serving as Partnerships and Events Committee Head.

She will be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of partnerships with external organizations, plan events and create opportunities for alumni connections; Stella Uwaechue, investor and media relations at GTCO is the association’s Head of Finance and Fund Raising News Committee, charged with overseeing the financial health and sustainability of PAUAA.

Also, Isioma Elumah, an executive at Guaranty Trust Bank coming in as Head, Young Alumni Committee, will connect with new graduates and facilitate their transition.

The committee organizes events, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities.

Barinedum “Barry” Agara, a media and communications professional working with the International Organization for Migration is Head Innovation Committee and will be responsible for fostering creativity and forward-thinking initiatives for the association.

The committee also explores and implement innovative ideas; and Opeyemi Olaleye, a Partner at OP Africa, a strategic communications firm, will oversee the affairs of all Committee Heads and ensure optimization of efforts by its members for PAUAA.

Playing host to the new Executive at the University’s main campus, Dr Peter Bamkole, chief operating officer (COO) of the Pan Atlantic University, said the PAU prides itself as an institution helping to form competent and committed professionals as its contribution towards a better society in Nigeria and Africa at large.

“We seek, by deliberate design of our programmes, to inculcate and groom the entrepreneurial spirit in our students. The university aims at nurturing individuals who are professionally competent, creative, and enterprising for the common good, and are able to make free and morally upright decisions, and thus act as positive agents of change in service to society”, said Dr. Bamkole.

Also speaking, Gbemileke Oscar Oyinsan, the president of the Association, stated the commitment of the new executives is to promote the aims and objectives of the University and forge stronger links among the alumni and administrators of the foremost citadel of knowledge.

According to him, “the focus of these new executives under my leadership is to ensure that the alumni stay connected and engaged through strategic execution of events and programmes that bring value”.

He reiterated that the Pan-Atlantic University over the years has earned a well-deserved reputation, locally and internationally, as an institution that provides world class education, and this is the propelling force for the association.