- The Newspaper Liberates People Of Osun – Comrade Waheed Lawal
- Osun Defender Is A Voice To The Voiceless – Ajegunle Traders Association
- The Medium Has Shaped Community Development, Social Justice – Osun CDHR Chairman
- Newspaper Agents Call For Government, Business Patronage
Tributes and messages of support have been trooping in for Osun Defender as the newspaper celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Different stakeholders in Osun State have joined in celebrating the newspaper on its landmark achievements and contributions to the development of the state over the years of its establishment.
The stakeholders include Civil Society Organisations, religious and business leaders, as well as leading lights in the world of arts and sports.
Commenting on the activities of the newspaper so far, the Chairman, Newspaper and Magazine Distributors Association of Nigeria, Osun State, Hon. Muhammed Olaiya (MAO), described Osun Defender as a grassroots newspaper that covers all local news and politics.
Olaiya while speaking with the medium, appealed to the management to improve on the quality of news stories and pagination.
“I want to congratulate the staff and management of Osun Defender on the 20 years anniversary of the newspaper. Osun Defender is a grassroot newspaper that covers all local news and politics. On behalf of our members, we appeal to the stakeholders in the state to invest and collect supply to state and local governments.
“Also, we appeal to the management of the organisation not to relent in holding the government of the day accountable and to improve the quality of news stories and pagination,” Olaiya asserted.
Corroborating Olaiya’s comment, the Vice Chaiman, Ajegunle Tradesmen and Artisans, Alhaji Rasheed Adebisi described the newspaper as a voice to the voiceless.
He said: “The newspaper is a voice to the voiceless and the less privileged in the society. It always puts the people first at all times. It also serves as a watchdog in the society. I implore the establishment to continue to at all time balance their reports. As we are approaching the 2026 election in the state, they should try as much remain neutral by not supporting any political party.”
The Chairman, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Osun Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Olowu while giving insights on the role of the newspaper in the last 20 years said, “I congratulate Osun Defender newspaper on the celebration of its 20th anniversary. Osun Defender has played a pivotal role in shaping public discourse, promoting transparency, and amplifying the voices of the people in Osun State.
“Through fearless journalism and unwavering commitment to truth, Osun Defender has held public officials accountable, provided a platform for diverse opinions, and brought critical issues affecting the people of Osun State to the forefront.
“Its consistent focus on local governance, community development, and social justice has made it a reliable source of information and an indispensable voice in the media landscape.
“As the newspaper marks this significant milestone, I call on all stakeholders in Osun State—government institutions, civil society organizations, businesses, and the public—to support Osun Defender in its mission to deliver credible, timely, and people-centred news.
“A free and vibrant press is essential to democracy, and sustaining independent, media like Osun Defender is in the collective interest of all who seek a more just and accountable society.
“To further strengthen its impact, I encourage Osun Defender to: Expand Coverage: by Broaden its reporting to capture underrepresented communities across Osun State, ensuring that voices from rural areas and marginalized groups are heard.
“Investigative Reporting: Deepen investigative journalism to uncover issues of corruption, social injustice, and governance gaps, fostering greater transparency and accountability.
“As Osun Defender moves into its next chapter, I express admiration for its resilience and contribution to public discourse. Congratulations once again to Osun Defender on thus remarkable milestone.
“May the next 20 years bring even greater success and influence in the pursuit of truth and justice.”
Also, the chairman, Osun State Civil Societies Coalition, Comrade Waheed Lawal highlighted the important roles played by the medium in strengthening democracy in the state.
Comrade Lawal pointed out that Osun Defender is more or else of the first local newspaper that liberated the people of Osun.
According to him, “Osun Defender is an informative newspaper. It plays a significant role in enlightening the people of the state especially those in the rural communities. It is a voice to the voiceless. Osun Defender is more or else of the first local newspaper that liberated the people of Osun. It also played a major role in giving Osun a real democratic setting.
“To the workers of the company, I encourage them to thrive more and do more for the people of Osun because the state needs more information and exclusive news. Congratulations, Osun Defender.”
Yusuf Oketola is a trained journalist with over five years of experience in the media industry. He has worked for both print and online medium. He is a thorough-bred professional with an eye of hindsight on issues bothering on social justice, purposeful leadership, and a society where the leaders charge and work for the prosperity of the people.
