AKURE – In a bid to place the nation on the right footing, journalists have been tasked not to relent in agenda setting for people at the helm of affairs of the federation
Guest speakers at the symposium organized by Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) Ondo State Council gave the task during their presentations.
The speakers, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Barr. Olumuyiwa Adu, Dr. Abass Mimiko, candidate of Zenith Labour Party(ZLP) in the just concluded gubernatorial election in the state, spoke on the theme: “Setting the Agenda Amidst Electioneering Paradox and Elusive Economic Development in Nigeria: The Media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm.”
Adegbomire, who was represented by Barr. Kayode Taiwo, said: “The term “Fourth Estate” underscores the media’s power as a cornerstone of democracy. The media is not just a passive observer; it is an active participant in nation-building. By setting the agenda, the media shapes public priorities and guides policymakers. The press in Nigeria is covered by adequate legal and regulatory framework to carry out its responsibilities as prescribed.
“Despite these legal and regulatory protections, journalists in Nigeria still face challenges such as harassment, arrests, and detentions under vague laws like sedition and defamation. Restrictions on press freedom through state interference or regulatory overreach. Limited enforcement of Freedom of information Act requests by public institutions.
“While not overlooking these significant challenges, the media is advised to remain focused and committed to the onerous task of nation building.”
In his address, Barr. Olumuyiwa Adu, a security expert, emphasised on the urgent need for the restructuring of the federation, which he said would engender meteoric development across all the regions of the federation.
He noted that such restructuring would give room for “equity, justice and security in the country.”
According to the All Progressives Congress(APC) chieftain, “there is no shortcut to development than restructuring, which would ensure true federalism, a development that would make each region to grow based on their own strength.”
Adu also called for the removal of state of origin in Nigeria’s constitution and replace it with state of resident.
Dr. Abass Mimiko, in his submission, called for concerted efforts by individuals, irrespective of their political ideologies, to proffer solutions to the challenges of the state.
He suggested that people with laudable and feasible ideas should present such to the state governor for implementation without necessarily being in the cabinet for the development of the state.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, said his administration is committed to positioning the media to promote the development of the state.
He said: “There is need for the regulation of the profession and the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) must be alive to its responsibilities by preventing quacks from finding their ways into the noble profession.
“Nowadays, almost every individual is a journalist without having the requisite training and qualifications. This is where you as real professionals should stand yourselves out and ensure you lead by example by dishing only correct information and remain faithful to the ethics of the profession.
“The practice of journalism, for me, should be for the interest of the public, ‘pro bono publico’ which is ‘for the public good’.
“This is because public interest journalism is a pillar of democracy, information, empowerment and the support for the people’s interest. It has often been said that “the pen is mightier than the sword”, but the fact remains that we are all stakeholders in this project, Nigeria.
“Do not let it be said of you that the necessary development and wellbeing of our country is thwarted by the “pen” in your hands.”
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