Abiodun Adeniyi, a professor of communication at Baze University, Abuja, has urged journalists to imbibe the culture of fact-based reporting, saying it is the last hope of ethical journalism.
Adeniyi stated this while speaking at Premium Times’ Award Night held at Bon Hotel Octagon, Abuja, on Saturday.
Speaking on the topic “Why Premium Times’ Kind of Journalism Maters’, Adeniyi said that only fact-based reporting can save journalism and ensure effective communication and information dissemination in Nigeria.
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According to him, the journalism environment is tough as it is filled with quack journalists and information trafficers, who are untrained individuals that crashed into the environment for personal gains.
Adeniyi said, “Fact-based reporting is the way to go. If you have not heard of the other side of the story, you are to drop it, until things are clear.
“The influx of the online publishing organizations into journalism has significantly changed the way journalism is conducted.
“Premium Times’s kind of journalism started from digital media but yet subscribes to traditional media preferences. We are talking about fact-based reporting, objectivity and balance to ensure we represent all sides of the story
“Rushing to the press without substantiating is the major problem journalism, digital media, is facing because of quacks or what is called information trafficers or what PR experts call communication technicians, those who practice PR without professional training.”
Adeniyi commended Premium Times, saying despite operating in the digital space the organization has maintained credibility and traditional ethics of journalism.
Earlier in his welcome address, Premium Times’ Editor-in-Chief, Musikilu Mojeed, said the organization honoured the individuals for their various works which contributed in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Musikilu said over the past fifteen years, Premium Times has came a long way in shaping journalism in Nigeria.
According to him, the organisation has published many stories which exposed hidden assets belonging to public officials, cases of certificate forgery, among other stories in agriculture, public policy, science, technology and public safety.
Musikilu said the organization has faced many challenges in the last five years which includes harassment of its journalists, cyber attacks, among others, saying that despite the daunting challenges they remains strong.
He added, “Tonight we are not only celebrating excellence or honouring great contributions, we also recommit to the values and standards that define us and the responsibility that comes with being trusted.
“We are celebrating the warriors who have made Premium Times what it has become.”
Musikilu commended the organization’s partnership with Daily Trust, saying the collaboration is strengthening journalism in Nigeria.
Several journalists were honoured at the event for their impactful stories.
Some of the awards were presented to the winners by the Director MacArthur Foundation, Nigeria Office, Dr Kole A. Shettima.
The 2024 Investigation award went to Folashade Ogunrinde, Reporter of the year award went to Kabiru Yusuf, Editor of the Year award went to Bisi Abedoye and Digital Strategy of the year award was received by Aron Cole.
However, the 2025 Investigation was received by Folashade Ogunrinde, Reporter of the year 2025 went to Maryam Ileyemi, Editor of the year 2025 was received by Nikie Adebowale and Digital Strategy Award goes to Esther Adaji and Aron Cole, as Business Strategy award was received by Abiodun Ojo. Each of the awardee received a N500,000 cash prize.
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