A Golden Thought: Do We Have to Tear Down One to Build Another?
By Ambassador Oluwayomi Oluwapelumi
I am deeply concerned about the emerging trend in journalism where writers seem compelled to exalt one personality by discrediting another. As a journalist, I find this practice troubling. Should we, in our pursuit of relevance or favor, abandon the core values of balance, truth, and fairness that define our profession?
When we call out names unjustly or use our platforms to please the government of the day, we risk crossing the thin line between journalism and propaganda. That, to me, is not reportage — it is bigotry wrapped in ink.
Don’t get me wrong — this is not an attack on the government. In fact, it is evident that the present administration has brought a sense of order, intentionality, and economic direction that Nigeria has long needed. However, acknowledging progress should not come at the expense of honesty or fairness.
True journalism does not thrive on tearing down others to build another. It thrives on integrity, context, and truth. Our duty is to inform, not to manipulate; to enlighten, not to incite; and to inspire, not to divide.
As we continue to document the nation’s journey, may we remember that credibility is the journalist’s greatest asset — once compromised, it is hard to regain.
A golden thought indeed: we must not destroy one pillar of truth in order to decorate another.
