We must not allow terrorism take root in Southwest, DAWN Commission warns

….. Says fake news threatens Nigeria’s future

Seye Oyeleye, the Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, has expressed worry over recent security challenges in parts of the Southwest, particularly the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying that this serves as a wake-up call to leaders across the region.

While warning that governments, security agencies and stakeholders in the Southwest must act decisively to prevent terrorism from taking root in the region, the report described the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State as a disturbing development.

This is as Oyeleye warned that the growing spread of fake news poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s development, unity and future, urging journalists to uphold professional ethics and resist the temptation to amplify misinformation.

The DG who gave the warning during a courtesy visit by the executive members of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State, to the commission’s headquarters in Ibadan said “we will keep working to ensure that Oriire does not repeat itself. We won’t fold our hands. It is a tragic thing and a burden to us. Oriire must not happen here again in the Southwest,”.

According to him, allowing terrorism and organised criminality to gain a foothold in the region could have far-reaching consequences for national security and development.

“We must not allow terrorism to take root in the Southwest. If that happens, it may be the end of Nigeria. We will work with our principals [Southwest Governors] and the media to ensure that terrorism does not repeat itself,” Oyeleye added.

The DAWN Commission boss stressed the need for stronger collaboration among state governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, communities and the media to safeguard the region.

He also urged journalists to remain professional and responsible in their reportage, warning against the spread of fake news and misinformation, which he said could worsen security challenges and undermine public confidence.

Oyeleye, however, noted that the media occupies a strategic position in nation-building and should continue to promote factual reporting, public enlightenment and developmental journalism.

According to him, fake news has the potential to undermine public trust, fuel divisions, and derail national progress if not checked by professional journalists.

“Fake news can destroy. Journalists must not abdicate their responsibilities to non-professionals. You hold a critical place in Nigeria’s development history and must remain committed to truth and responsible journalism,” he said.

The DAWN Commission boss cautioned media practitioners against focusing solely on negative stories, noting that such an approach could damage the country’s image and discourage development.

“You don’t have to like any government, but you must love your country. Genuine and factual reporting can change the country and drive development. If you only report bad news, you are harming your country. We must portray Nigeria in a positive light while remaining truthful and professional,” he added.

Also speaking, the commission’s Head of Media Department, Segun Balogun, expressed readiness to partner with journalists through training programmes, annual lectures and media-focused initiatives aimed at promoting development-oriented reporting across the Southwest.

He assured the chapel of the commission’s support in capacity-building and digital media development as part of efforts to strengthen professional journalism in the region.

Others present at the meeting were the Head of Economic Department and Research, Adesoji Farayibi; Head of Government and Data Analysis, Omolara Ejiade; and Executive Assistant to the Director-General, Alice Afolabi of the commission.

Earlier, Yinka Adeniran, Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Oyo State, commended the commission for its commitment to regional development and called for deeper collaboration between the media and DAWN Commission.

Adeniran said journalists remain critical partners in advancing the Southwest development agenda and fostering public engagement on issues affecting the region.

Other executive members present during the visit included the Vice Chairman, Remi Koleoso; the Secretary, Rotimi Agboluaje; the Financial Secretary, Olawale Ajao; the Auditor, Abiola Olowe; and the Assistant Secretary, Kazeem Awojoodu.