As Nigeria grapples with persistent challenges in governance and public trust, leading voices converged at the 9th Anniversary Lecture of the South West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP) in Ibadan on Wednesday.
The event, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, served as a critical platform for journalists, academics, and industry leaders to dissect the nation’s political landscape and propose pathways for a more accountable and responsive future—particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
The Guest Lecturer, Professor Adeolu Akande, Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)—a distinguished Nigerian journalist, editor, scholar, and lecturer—was represented by Mr. Johnson Idowu. In his presentation, Akande laid bare the deep-seated issues hindering good governance in Nigeria from both academic and general perspectives.
Johnson emphasized that understanding the “nature and character of the Nigerian state” is paramount, asserting that the state has been “captured by the bourgeoisie,” making genuine governance, legitimacy, and leadership difficult to achieve. He noted the widespread disappointment among Nigerian citizens over the continuous decline in governance over the past six decades.
He attributed the lack of trust in leaders and political institutions to unfulfilled promises. According to him, good governance is characterized by participation, equality, transparency, accountability, efficiency, and openness. Crucially, he stressed, “there can be no good governance without effective political leaders”—a quality Nigeria sorely lacks, resulting in a leadership crisis.
Delving into the basic expectations of citizens, Johnson lamented the government’s inability to provide essential necessities like food, clothing, and shelter. He contrasted the present with the 1960s and ’70s, when a modest income could comfortably cover rent and still support personal development. Today, he said, social services—particularly in education and healthcare—have deteriorated significantly.
He cited the increase in PhD school fees at the University of Ibadan from ₦19,000 in 2003 to ₦270,000–₦300,000 currently, while assistant lecturers’ salaries have barely changed, making education increasingly inaccessible. He also reminisced about Lagos State’s robust primary healthcare system in his childhood, now a shadow of its former self. Infrastructure decay, particularly bad roads, he argued, fuels insecurity as economic frustration pushes many into crime.
Akande identified major barriers to good governance, with corruption, embezzlement, and maladministration topping the list. He criticized the lack of accountability for corrupt leaders, arguing that the absence of punishment emboldens others. “Nobody has been punished,” he said, noting that those who “destroy the Nigerian economy” often manipulate public perception. He also pointed to election rigging and money politics as major impediments.
He posed a rhetorical challenge to journalists: “Why can’t you fight for a governorship position? Why can’t you fight for a presidential position?” The answer, he said, lies in the exorbitant cost—up to ₦50 billion for a governorship bid—effectively reserving power for the wealthy elite.
He decried the manipulation of laws to protect the rich and powerful, as well as ethno-religious politics that exploit Nigeria’s deeply religious but often unspiritual populace. He also criticized the proliferation of churches that fail to contribute meaningfully to job creation or social progress.
Other issues highlighted included political exclusion of youth and women, unregulated campaign financing dominated by “moneybags,” and the execution of “irrelevant projects with huge financial implications” that drain public resources without yielding real development. He contrasted these with legacy projects like the $100 million worth of laboratory equipment donated by Prof. Akibola Ogunpola during his tenure as Lagos State Commissioner for Education.
To break these barriers and chart a better course for the 2027 elections, Johnson proposed several key reforms. Electoral reform—especially electronic transmission of results—is vital to restoring public confidence, which was severely eroded in the 2023 elections. He called for political will to confront corruption and recover stolen funds, noting that in some Asian countries, even under autocratic regimes, stolen funds are reinvested domestically.
He also advocated for increased citizen participation, transparency, and information dissemination. Institutional reform is essential, as agencies like the EFCC and ICPC, though strong in principle, are “very, very weak” in practice. He challenged them to prosecute corrupt politicians and recover stolen wealth to create deterrence.
Furthermore, he emphasized the need for political reorientation, issue-based campaigns, and clearly defined ideologies among political parties. Youth and women must be actively included in the political process. Responsible journalism, which holds power accountable, is equally essential. He concluded by calling for the election of candidates with sound knowledge of economic policies and a rejection of ethnic and religious politics, while also empowering civil society organizations as effective watchdogs.
Earlier in his welcome address, Pastor Bisi Oladele, President of SWEGOP, reiterated the guild’s mission to evolve into a professional body that champions innovation in digital journalism across Southwest Nigeria. He emphasized SWEGOP’s dedication to promoting professionalism, defending press freedom, advocating good governance, and educating citizens on their rights and responsibilities. He noted that the choice of the lecture topic and guest lecturer was driven by the need to bridge the “wide gap” of distrust between Nigerians and their government.
Adding to the discourse, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi—a veteran media icon—highlighted the vital role of online publishers in bridging the gap left by traditional media. He urged them to prioritize accuracy, timely news reporting, political education, and amplifying the voices of minorities and opposition groups.
Dr. Farounbi also stressed the need for combating misinformation through fact-checking and promoting media literacy. He charged online publishers to act as watchdogs by investigating corruption and holding leaders accountable while remaining objective, neutral, and impartial. He encouraged the use of social media to engage young people and break the cycle of recycling the same political class.
He concluded by urging media practitioners to track campaign promises, counter hate speech, and advocate issue-based campaigns to foster peace and national unity.
Also in attendance was Mr. Awowole Brown, representing Alhaji Aliko Dangote. He conveyed the Dangote Group’s congratulations to SWEGOP on its 9th anniversary and acknowledged the valuable partnership between the conglomerate and the Guild of Online Publishers. He praised the resilience of the media amid economic challenges and recognized journalists’ invaluable contributions, often made with little reward. Brown reaffirmed the Dangote Group’s commitment to supporting online media, noting their growing influence despite sometimes being labeled “internet infestations.”
The event also featured a moment of recognition for distinguished Nigerians who have made significant contributions to public service and national development. Among those honoured were Prince Dotun Oyelade, Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation; Dr. Babatunde Olomu, Comptroller of the Nigerian Customs Service, Apapa Area Command; and Mogaji Wole Arisekola, a respected media entrepreneur and community leader. They were celebrated for their outstanding performance, leadership, and enduring contributions to the advancement of society.
The event drew dignitaries from various sectors, including Mr. Biodun Oduwole, former Editor of the Nigerian Tribune; Professor Niyi Osundare; Dr. Sulaiman Olanrewaju, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde; and Chief Abraham Agboola, CEO of ABDOC Motors, among others.
