…demand support-fund for media houses
…caution media aides against unnecessary shielding of public office holders
Journalists in Ekiti State have jointly agreed to uphold diligence and utmost integrity in the course of discharging their duties irrespective of the numerous challenges confronting the profession.
This is the major resolution reached during a media summit organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ekiti State Council to commemorate this year’s World Press Freedom Day.
With the theme of the programme “Restoring Confidence in the Conventional Media, the house agreed that the public would continue to treat the media with disdain if Journalists engage in some unethical and unprofessional conducts.
It was also resolved that Journalists must strive hard to carry out more investigative reportage which could help to hold government accountable and put them on their toes to do the right things.
In his remark, the Special Adviser, Media to the Governor, Mr. Yinka Oyebode who spoke through the Special Assistant, Documentation, Mr. Femi Owolabi noted that the conventional media remains the most reliable source of information and news reportage but they need to embrace innovation in order to meet the challenges of current reality.
He also added that conventional media houses must invest more in gadgets; equip their staff with necessary resources needed to operate so as not to depend on gratification which may tempt them to compromise.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Radio Nigeria, Progress FM, Ado Ekiti, Dr. Adebola Agbaje, S A to the speaker on media, Mr. Babajode Agbeyo, a former Chairman of NUJ in Ekiti Akogun Tai Oguntayo and the immediate past chairman of NUJ, Mr. Rotimi Ojomoyela affirmed that Journalists are confronted with challenges of non payment of salaries, lack of working tools, lack of security and insurance but such should not compel them to compromise standard.
Other members who spoke worried over the way some media aides shield their principals and block Journalists for access to critical events saying such must stop.
