Without Independent Media, Democracy Cannot Survive – Ajibola
Abuja, August 26, 2025 – Former Daily Trust Managing Director and Akogun of Ife-Olukotun, HRH Alhaji Isiaq Ajibola, has delivered a reminder that Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive without independent media. “Without it, the people are blind, and the leaders are unaccountable,” he told a packed hall at Merit House in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ajibola who was guest speaker at the 15th Democracy Newsline Newspaper Public Lecture and Award Ceremony, where he spoke passionately about the role of the press in building good governance. He described independent media as platforms “free from government, political, or vested business control, guided by editorial freedom and public service.”
He contrasted this with social media, which he said is a powerful tool for citizen participation but one that often lacks professional checks. “The healthiest democracy is one where independent media and social media complement each other,” he noted, drawing nods from the audience.
To bring his point home, Ajibola recalled how investigative reporting had forced government action in recent times, from the Abuja Centenary City probe to citizen journalists exposing illegal mining in Kogi, and the ICIR report that uncovered how “political farmers” hijacked fertilizer meant for women farmers. He also applauded Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for pioneering the Annual Media Performance Report, describing it as “a bold step towards accountability.”
On a lighter mood ,the Publisher of Democracy Newsline, Chief Femi Olugbemi, shared how over a decade ago Ajibola encouraged his team to pay attention to grassroots reporting in Kogi. “That advice has become the backbone of our journalism,” he said with enthusiasm.
The event drew a distinguished audience. Professor Emeritus Olu Obafemi chaired the occasion, while Hon. Duro Meseko was Special Guest of Honour. Ministers, presidential advisers, and other dignitaries also attended with awards presented to individuals who have advanced democracy and development in Nigeria.
