The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, has commended journalists in the state for their professionalism during the 2024 governorship election.

Speaking during the First Quarterly Consultative Meeting with the executives and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State chapter, held at the INEC office in Akure, Babalola acknowledged the critical role played by the media in ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process.

She attributed the success of the election to the diligence, accuracy, and neutrality exhibited by journalists before, during, and after the polls.

“The resounding success of the 2024 Ondo State Governorship Election is a testament to the unwavering commitment, professionalism, and diligence of the media in carrying out its critical role,” she stated.

While highlighting the challenges journalists faced, including long hours of coverage, security risks, and logistical constraints, Babalola praised their resilience in upholding the ethics of the profession.

She noted that despite the pressure of delivering timely and factual reports in a fast-paced environment, journalists in the state remained steadfast in their duty to inform and educate the public.

She specifically commended the NUJ Chairman, Mr. Leke Adegbite, and the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Chairperson, Mrs. Tola Gbadamosi, for their leadership and support for INEC’s electoral processes.

“Your dedication to factual, timely, and balanced reportage played a crucial role in fostering public trust and confidence in the electoral process.

“You ensured that misinformation was countered, civic engagement was encouraged, and the credibility of the election was enhanced. This is a great achievement for democracy in Ondo State and Nigeria at large,” Babalola remarked.

The REC reiterated INEC’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the media by providing timely access to information and improving communication channels.

She urged journalists to continue upholding the highest standards of journalism, stressing that a free and responsible press remains a vital pillar of democracy.

Responding, the State Chairman of NUJ, Mr. Adegbite, commended the REC and INEC’s management team for appreciating the efforts of journalists in ensuring the successful conduct of the governorship election in the state.

While appreciating Babalola for sustaining peace in the state during and after the election, Adegbite said journalists in the state remain the best in Nigeria, as there has been no libel case against them in the discharge of their professional duties.

The NUJ chairman, who further lauded the commission for the early deployment of its officials on the election day, advised INEC to improve its efforts in combating vote-buying ahead of future elections.

As the meeting concluded, NUJ members expressed appreciation for INEC’s recognition and reaffirmed their commitment to accurate and responsible journalism in future electoral engagements.