Courageous journalism vital to democracy — VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima said courageous journalism remains essential to the survival of democracy, stressing the need for media practitioners to continue upholding truth and accountability despite mounting challenges.

He noted that fearless reporting plays a decisive role in protecting democratic values and strengthening public trust in governance.

The Vice President made the remarks at the public presentation of “My Life and Journalists Hangout”, a book written by veteran broadcaster Babajide Kolade-Otitoju.

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Speaking further, Shettima said the gathering was not only a celebration of a journalist at 60 but also a recognition of the importance of critical thinking in national life.

According to him, societies do not fail because they lack ideas, but because they lack men and women willing to interrogate those ideas and demand accountability from those in power.

He described Kolade-Otitoju as a journalist who had built a career around questioning assumptions and resisting intellectual complacency, adding that his television programme had become a platform where difficult national issues were openly debated.

“What we are celebrating today is a tradition of courage in journalism and the wisdom of documenting experience,” he said.

The Vice President also stressed that a healthy democracy depended on a media culture that was courageous enough to question power while remaining responsible.

He said the book was important because it preserved the author’s experiences for future generations, noting that “when a man writes, he does not only preserve memory; he opens his journey to history.”

Shettima used the occasion to speak on security, saying the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu was fully committed to addressing the challenge.

He said the President was deeply concerned about the safety of Nigerians and was taking steps to ensure that the issue of security of lives and property received the highest level of attention.

Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in his remarks, congratulated Kolade-Otitoju on what he described as a remarkable milestone in his career.

He said the veteran journalist had earned public trust through consistency, fairness, and a commitment to telling all sides of every story.

According to the governor, credible journalism remained essential to national unity and democratic stability.

He said the public deserved information that was accurate and balanced, adding that Kolade-Otitoju had distinguished himself by ensuring that “the truth is not compromised.”

AbdulRazaq also commended journalists across the country for their role in sustaining democracy and supporting national development.

He appealed to the media to continue to support security agencies in the fight against banditry and terrorism while reporting security issues in a responsible manner that would not embolden criminal elements.

In his own remarks, Kolade-Otitoju reflected on his decades in journalism, describing the profession as one that demanded sacrifice, resilience, and courage.

He said he still travelled regularly to different parts of the country to gather stories, rather than leaving such assignments to younger reporters.

The veteran broadcaster thanked his wife and children for their patience and support throughout his career, noting that the nature of journalism often kept him away from home for long periods.

He also expressed gratitude to senior colleagues and mentors who helped shape his career, saying their influence made him a better journalist.

Kolade-Otitoju said the decision to write the book was driven by the need to document his experiences and contribute to national discourse.

He added that he hoped the book would encourage younger journalists to remain committed to truth, fairness, and courage in the profession.

He also used the opportunity to call for urgent action to address insecurity in the country, saying Nigerians must be able to move freely and carry out their daily activities without fear.

According to him, security remained one of the biggest challenges facing the country and required sustained attention from the government.

The event, which was attended by several governors, media executives, traditional rulers, and members of the public, also featured a review of the book and tributes from family members and associates who described Kolade-Otitoju as a journalist dedicated to truth and national development.