By Oghenefejiro Emado
08, November 2026
In a major recognition of his open-door approach to the press, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been named the Media-Friendly Governor of the Year by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The honour was conferred on the Governor for fostering a cordial, respectful and productive relationship with journalists, as well as for his administration’s demonstrated commitment to press freedom and free expression.
The award was presented during the *4th edition of the NUJ Annual Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria*, which took place on Saturday at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.
The event was held under the theme: *”Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism and Good Governance.”*
Governor Oborevwori was represented at the ceremony by his Chief of Staff, Government House, Prince Johnson Erijo, who not only received the award on his behalf but also delivered the keynote address.
In his keynote, the Governor spoke extensively on the indispensable role of responsible journalism in deepening democratic governance in Nigeria.
He described a free and responsible press as the lifeblood of democracy, stressing that citizens can only make informed choices and effectively hold leaders accountable when they have unhindered access to credible, factual information.
According to him, democracy and journalism reinforce each other. While democracy guarantees the freedom of the press, responsible journalism in turn strengthens democratic institutions and keeps government close and responsive to the people.
Oborevwori paid tribute to veteran journalists whose sacrifices, he said, paved the way for the press freedom enjoyed today. He noted that those sacrifices make it even more important to protect that freedom and to uphold the professional standards that give journalism its credibility and moral authority.
However, he was quick to add that freedom must be matched with responsibility. He charged journalists to remain steadfast in upholding the core values of accuracy, fairness, balance and integrity in all their reporting.
The Governor warned against the rising tide of misinformation, hate speech and unverified reports, especially in the digital era where the rush to break news first and attract online traffic often threatens factual reporting.
> “Public trust is the foundation of journalism. Once lost, it is difficult to regain,” he said.
He therefore urged media practitioners to stay independent, courageous and fully committed to the public interest, rather than to personal or political interests.
Earlier in his remarks, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, explained that the recognition programme was created to celebrate individuals whose work and leadership have left lasting impacts on journalism, humanity and national development.
Yahya commended the Oborevwori administration for maintaining a harmonious relationship with journalists in Delta State. He disclosed that, based on the union’s observations, there has been no reported case of intimidation, harassment or arrest of journalists in the state in the course of carrying out their professional duties.
He also praised the Governor’s achievements in other sectors, including massive investments in road infrastructure, the settlement of inherited debts and contractual obligations, and the implementation of social welfare programmes targeted at widows, indigent families and other vulnerable groups in the state.
Yahya added that the Governor’s acceptance of the invitation to the event showed his deep appreciation for the role of the media in society and his belief in constructive engagement between government and journalists.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion and former NUJ President, Dr. Chris Isiguzo, commended the current leadership of the union for sustaining the annual recognition initiative. He described continuity in leadership as vital to building strong, credible and enduring institutions.
