As Nigeria navigates its complex governance challenges, experts, media professionals, and thought leaders gathered at the 9th Anniversary Lecture of the South West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP) in Ibadan on Wednesday to engage in robust dialogue on the future of the nation’s democracy particularly in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
Held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, the event served as a high level platform for discussing the crises of leadership, citizen disengagement, and the urgent need for institutional reforms. The lecture also witnessed the recognition of distinguished individuals, including Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who was honoured with the SWEGOP Award for Outstanding Contributions to Media and Governance.
Delivering the keynote lecture on behalf of Professor Laolu Akande, OON, was Mr. Idowu Johnson, who provided a sobering analysis of the Nigerian state from both academic and civic perspectives.
He described Nigeria as a nation in deep governance crisis, captured by elite interests and plagued by systemic corruption, political exclusion, infrastructural decay, and widespread public distrust.
Johnson decried the widening gap between citizens and the government, lamenting that essential services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare have deteriorated over the years. Drawing comparisons with the 1960s and 70s, he observed that a once-functional system has been replaced by hardship, inefficiency, and institutional weakness.
“No good governance without effective political leaders,” Johnson emphasized, calling for deliberate efforts to elect competent leaders, enforce accountability, and rebuild public trust. He stressed the need for electoral reforms, especially the electronic transmission of results, and challenged anti-graft institutions like the EFCC and ICPC to act decisively against corrupt public officials.
He also underscored the importance of citizen participation, youth and women inclusion, political education, and issue-based campaigns. Johnson criticized the monetization of politics and called for a change in orientation that prioritizes national interest over personal or ethnic agendas.
In his welcome remarks, SWEGOP President, Pastor Bisi Oladele, reaffirmed the Guild’s commitment to ethical journalism, self regulation, and public enlightenment. He described SWEGOP as a growing force in Nigeria’s digital journalism landscape, with a mission to defend press freedom and hold power accountable.
Adding his voice to the conversation, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines and veteran broadcaster, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, highlighted the crucial role of online publishers in bridging the information gap in governance and amplifying marginalized voices.
He urged media professionals to engage in political education, fact-checking, and the promotion of issue-driven discourse, especially ahead of the 2027 elections.
Representing Africa’s leading industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Awowole Brown congratulated SWEGOP on its milestone anniversary and reaffirmed the Dangote Group’s support for media development in Nigeria. He acknowledged the resilience and contributions of journalists, particularly those in the online space, in strengthening democracy despite economic constraints.
The highlight of the event was the conferment of SWEGOP’s Excellence in Media and Governance Award on Prince Dotun Oyelade, in recognition of his outstanding commitment to transparent communication, ethical journalism, and public service.
The honour underscored his pivotal role in shaping media engagement and government-citizen interaction in Oyo State.
With high-powered discussions,
thought-provoking insights, and recognition of media excellence, the 9th SWEGOP Anniversary served not only as a celebration but also as a clarion call for renewed commitment to good governance, responsible journalism, and civic responsibility as Nigeria approaches a crucial electoral year.
