A call has been made for synergy between Journalists and Security Agencies in the country in order to ensure lasting security and national development particularly as the country prepares for another round of general elections.
The call was made by the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo who was represented by his National Deputy, Alhaji Mukhtar Gidado during the opening ceremony of the 2019 Press Week organised by the Bauchi State Council of the NUJ held at Zaranda Hotel, Bauchi on Tuesday.
He asserted that the theme of this Year’s celebration which is, ‘PRESS, INSECURITY AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT’ is very relevant particularly in this trying moment when the country is engulfed with disturbing security challenges of Boko Haram, Kidnappings, Farmers/Herders clashes, militancy in the Niger Delta etc.
The NUJ President added that: “Journalists, the mass media and indeed the security machineries of government are partners in progress in ensuring security and National Development of any society and have always been protected in times of war and conflicts.”
“Therefore, the recent associated challenges that we are facing in our country are not insurmountable. We must practice our chosen profession according to its ethical standard as expected by the people,” he advised.
In his speech, Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar who was represented by his Deputy, Abdu Sule Katagum asserted that Journalists are duty bound to checkmate the spread of fake news in the social media by countering them with factual stories.
The Governor also charged Journalists to go the extra mile in ensuring balance and fairness in their reports because according to him, “whatever item you dish out to the public is assumed to be the real issue. You must, therefore, strive to be objective.”
Also speaking, the State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ibrahim Malam Goje explained that the NUJ Press Week is primarily celebrated to foster unity and understanding among members of the union, update the knowledge of journalists as well as afford them the opportunity to share ideas on current issues in an organized social forum.
According to him, aside the Press Week, the state council had organised ministerial press briefings in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, free eye consultations to members in collaboration with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Ramadan dinners and series of training to members within the last two years.
He noted that: “While doing these successfully, plans are in the concluding stage for the restoration of the Study Centre of International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) in Bauchi for training in Diploma and Post Graduate Diploma for intending Journalists.”
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