Journalists have been called upon to consciously avoid the pitfalls of cybercrime, which includes cyber bullying, cyber stalking, cyber espionage property theft, amongst others and always fact check before publishing as facts are sacred.

The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, made the call against the backdrop of allegations of cybercrime offence allegedly committed by a journalist as part of activities lined up at the decoration of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Toyin Taiwo by the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), held in Abeokuta.

According to him, journalists must always practice responsible journalism as against the harrowing experiences that would be passed through if arrested and prosecuted for offences that could be avoided in the course of discharging their watchdog duties.

He however thanked the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists for stepping in to secure the release of the said journalist from incarceration 

Describing the honour of "Pillar of Good Governance" award conferred on Dr. Taiwo as a proof of his dedication to good governance, strategic leadership and quality support to the present administration in the State, the Head of Service said the honour is a well deserved one, in acknowledgement of dedication to service and accountability in governance.

"This recognition coming from the media, the watchdog of the society, speaks volume about Dr. Taiwo's significant role and credibility in the governance structure in Ogun State. The media, as the mirror of the society does not bestow accolades lightly, rather, it recognises those who have genuinely distinguished themselves through their actions and impact.

"Dr. Taiwo's leadership and administrative acumen have been evident in his various roles within the Ogun State Government, including his tenure as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and later as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, while his elevation to the position of the Chief of Staff has only reinforced his reputation as a diligent, strategic and highly competent public servant", the HoS said.

Onasanya congratulated the awardee on the prestigious honour and urged him to let the recognition spur him to continue to contribute his wealth of experience to the advancement of governance in order to keep moving the State to greater heights.

The Head of Service also said the State Governor,Prince Dapo Abiodun deserves encomium as a pragmatic leader with innate qualities for always identifying talented individuals ,thereby putting the round  peg in a round hole

He also commended the NUJ for the noble initiative of recognising individuals who have made significant impacts in governance and the society at large, and charged them to continue to discharge their duties with utmost professionalism, sense of responsibility, be constructive in criticism and make objectivity core, as well-informed society is crucial to national development.

In separate goodwill messages,  the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mrs. Ronke Tokunbo-Peters, a renowned lecturer, Prof. Jendele Hungbo, the Director-General, Office of the PPP, Mr. Dapo Oduwole and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Waheed Adesina, congratulated Dr. Toyin Taiwo for the honour done him by the NUJ and described him as dynamic, energetic, dedicated worthy, exemplary, committed public servant who  deserves the honour.

They appreciated the NUJ for deeming it fit to identify people who have made innumerable contributions in the society, as no service, whether good or bad would go unrewarded and urged the award recipient not to rest on his oars but continue to deliver good governance as known for.

In a response, the recipient, Dr. Toyin Taiwo, represented by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, appreciated the NUJ for finding him worthy of the honour and  dedicated the award to the good people of Ogun State, who are the ones inspiring him to keep doing more.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Chairman, NUJ, State Council, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, said the choice of the Chief of Staff was borne out of his effective leadership,  one who has used his positions as a good call to service.