The Director of the Osun State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Victor Okon Edet, FSI, has called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and the media to promote public safety, national security and responsible journalism.
Edet made the call when the leadership of the Osun NUJ Online Media Chapel, led by its Chairman, Mr. Isa Isawade, paid a courtesy visit to the DSS Command headquarters in Osogbo on Monday as part of the Chapel’s Familiarity and collaboration
The DSS Director said the relationship between security agencies and the media had suffered setbacks over the years, urging the Chapel to play a role in rebuilding trust and cooperation between both sides.
He described the media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm and stressed its responsibility to keep the public informed, noting that issues that are not reported may remain unknown to the wider public.
Edet cited the recent alcohol-related deaths in Ondo State as an example of how timely and responsible media reports can help prevent further tragedies.
He also commended journalists for their coverage of the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election, saying the professionalism displayed during the exercise contributed to its relatively peaceful conduct and placed the state on the radar as a case study for future elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had scheduled the Osun governorship election for August 15, 2026.
DSS Adopts ‘Less Visibility, More Impact’
Edet explained that the DSS, under its Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, had adopted an operational philosophy centred on less visibility and more impact.
According to him, the approach is intended to enable the Service to concentrate on intelligence gathering and national security without unnecessary public attention.
He urged journalists to understand the sensitive nature of intelligence operations while maintaining their responsibility to inform the public.
DSS Warns Against Cyber-Bullying, Unverified Reports
The DSS Director also raised concerns about cyber-bullying and urged online journalists to operate within the ambit of the law.
He stressed the need for thorough fact-checking, warning that journalists should not allow their platforms to become instruments for harassment or intimidation.
He further called for proper registration and identification of online media practitioners, describing accountability within the sector as essential to addressing the proliferation of unregistered operators.
Edet also advised journalists to exercise caution when reporting the activities of bandits and criminals, saying excessive publicity could serve the interests of criminal elements. He urged the media to balance public interest with national security considerations.
DSS Charges Online Media to Probe Motor Park Takeovers
The DSS Director challenged the Online Media Chapel to investigate reports of forceful takeovers of motor parks in Osun State and bring facts surrounding the development to public attention.
He also questioned the increasing involvement of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in governance and political activities in the South-West, urging journalists to investigate the issue and offer constructive reporting that could contribute to finding lasting solutions.
Edet similarly called on the media to investigate illegal mining activities in Osun State and expose the challenges associated with the practice.
He said illegal mining could lead to loss of legitimate government revenue, environmental degradation and increased insecurity.
Chapel Seeks Stronger Stakeholder Collaboration
Earlier, Isawade explained that the visit was part of the Chapel’s effort to establish stronger relationships with critical institutions and stakeholders across Osun State.
He said the Chapel was established to promote professionalism, ethical journalism and accountability in the online media space, particularly against the backdrop of misinformation, disinformation and unprofessional practices.
Isawade stressed that the Chapel’s regulatory role was intended to be corrective and developmental rather than punitive, with the objective of improving standards and restoring public confidence in online journalism.
He said members of the Chapel were committed to accuracy, fairness and ethical reporting.
Edet promised the DSS Command’s support and collaboration with the Chapel, assuring that the Service would work with the online media body to promote responsible journalism while ensuring that reporting remained within the bounds of the law and national security.
The visit is part of a wider engagement programme by the Osun NUJ Online Media Chapel with key institutions in the state.
Passionate about impactful storytelling, he is committed to delivering accurate, engaging, and insightful reports across diverse areas of public interest.
Over the years, he has built a strong reputation for professionalism, creativity, and consistency in journalism. His expertise spans news reporting, media coverage, digital content creation, and strategic public communication, positioning him as a respected and influential voice in the media landscape.
Driven by a dedication to informing, educating, and connecting audiences, Adewale continues to contribute meaningfully to the growth of journalism and digital media in Nigeria.
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