The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, have pledged to deepen collaboration between the media and legal profession to promote justice, rule of law, accountability and good governance in Ondo State.
The commitment was made when the newly inaugurated executives of the NBA Akure Branch, led by its Chairman, Oju Kekemeke, paid a courtesy visit to the NUJ Press Centre in Akure.
Kekemeke described the NUJ as the branch’s first point of call following the inauguration of its new executive, saying the visit underscored the importance the legal profession attached to the media as a strategic partner in advancing the interests of society.
He said although lawyers and journalists operated in different professional spaces, both professions had critical responsibilities to society, particularly in promoting justice, protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring accountability.
The NBA chairman said, “Where the rule of law is weak, both institutions suffer. Where citizens are uninformed, justice becomes inaccessible. And where public institutions are not sufficiently accountable, democracy and good governance are weakened.”
Kekemeke proposed a structured partnership between the NBA and NUJ, with public legal education, capacity building for journalists, access to justice, protection of fundamental rights, promotion of the rule of law and mutual institutional support identified as key areas of collaboration.
He said the NBA was prepared to make lawyers available for radio and television programmes, public lectures and other media platforms to educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities.
He also proposed periodic training for journalists covering the judiciary and legal matters, saying such programmes would enhance practitioners’ understanding of legal principles and procedures, including fair hearing, presumption of innocence, contempt and sub judice.
According to him, the two organisations could also collaborate on issues affecting access to justice and vulnerable members of society, as well as initiatives promoting constitutionalism, accountability and respect for judicial decisions.
Kekemeke further suggested that both organisations designate liaison officers to facilitate prompt and responsible communication on important legal and public-interest matters.
He also proposed the establishment of an annual Bar-Media Forum on Justice, Rule of Law and Good Governance in Ondo State, saying the initiative would help build “a better-informed citizenry, a stronger justice system and a more accountable society.”
Responding, the NUJ Chairman in Ondo State, Prince Leke Adegbite, commended the NBA Akure Branch for making the union its first point of call after assuming office.
Adegbite described the gesture as a demonstration of the importance attached to the media by the legal profession and expressed the NUJ’s readiness to partner with the NBA in areas that would strengthen professional capacity, enhance public understanding of legal matters and promote accountability.
He noted that journalists, particularly those covering the judiciary, required a proper understanding of legal processes and terminology to ensure accurate, balanced and responsible reporting.
The NUJ chairman therefore welcomed the proposed training programmes, saying the union would support initiatives aimed at improving the quality of court and legal reporting in the state.
Adegbite, however, stressed the need for both professions to maintain their independence and adhere strictly to professional ethics while collaborating in the public interest.
He said the media remained committed to giving adequate attention to issues of justice, human rights and good governance, adding that effective collaboration with the Bar would further strengthen journalists’ capacity to inform the public accurately.
He expressed optimism that the proposed Bar-Media Forum and other areas of partnership would provide a sustainable platform for the two professions to exchange ideas and jointly address issues affecting society.
