Oyinlola charges editors on professionalism
NUJ may quit NLC
From Seun Adeoye, Osogbo
AS the All Nigerian Editors Conference kicked off yesterday in Ada, Osun State, Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola charged the participants to find ways of making journalism a more honourable profession.
Declaring the event open, he urged them to fashion ways of promoting professionalism through edifying conducts.
"Granted that we have the freest press in Africa, there is no reason why the Nigerian press should not open a new chapter of moral re-birth, which would earn our distinguished practitioners more respect and credibility," he said.
Oyinlola told the editors to ask themselves if in their profession they have been able to advance and protect Nigeria's interests.
However, he remarked that their "exploits clearly mark you out as patriots who will surely have a place when the history of Nigeria comes to be written".
Noting that the conference had coincided with the 13 anniversary of the creation of Osun, Oyinlola also observed that the state was "fast gaining reputation as a national centre for retreats, relaxation and tourism".
The governor said that since he took over the administration of the state, he had executed projects to improve people's lives.
He said: "In addition, our policies, which focus on the development of man and his environment have continued to be prosecuted with dedication, commitment and vigour."
The governor urged the editors to address factors that adversely affect performance of journalists like poor renumeration and lack of understanding of the rudiments of the profession.
Such factors, he noted, should be seriously addressed, not only by media managers but also by employers.
Oyinlola also debunked rumours that he was held in the United Kingdom with "millions of pound sterling".
" I challenge them to publish and substantiate the claims that government funds were siphoned into private pockets and non-existing projects," he said.
"Going by inciting and provocative statements, false and malicious allegations and mischievous peddling of falsehood, one cannot but wonder whether there are honourable people who have the interest of Osun State at heart," he added.
The president of the Guild of Editors, Baba Halilu Dantiye, said they would continue to promote and support people-friendly policies and programmes.
"The editor will also champion the course of democracy good governance, peaceful co-existence and free market economy," he added.
In a keynote address, the chairman of Daar Communications Limited, Dr. Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, noted that the media must be agents of mobilisation and rapid development.
They should also provide a "veritable platform for equal exchange of information and ideas and a platform for the articulation of public opinion as well as a potent forum to hold government accountable to the people".
Professor Kwame Karikari, executive director, Media Foundation for West Africa, Accra, Ghana was billed as the guest speaker during the conference with Mrs. Oluremi Oyo, Mr. Ted Iwere, Prof. Chinyere Okunna, Emeka Maduegbunam, Mr. Ray Ekpu, Dr. Umar Pate, Mr. John Momoh, Mr. Richard Akinola, Mr. Quassim Akinreti and Mr. Ayo Arowolo as resource persons.
Some of the editors at the occasion include Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian, Debo Adesina and The Guardian on Saturday editor, Banji Adisa.
Meanwhile, the National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Smart Adeyemi yesterday lauded the House of Representatives for passing the free information bill.
Adeyemi, who also disclosed the intention of the NUJ to pull out of the NLC, said certain clauses in its constitution would be expunged to enable editors to contest elective positions in their umbrella union.
Adeyemi, speaking with journalists at the same occasion, said the intention of the union to pull out of the NLC was to help the NUJ to be a full professional body.
"The NUJ at this crucial point of its repositioning will require support and active participation of the Guild of Editors to enable us all transform the union into a formidable professional body that will be the pride of all," he said.
"We hope to hold a constitutional conference before the end of the year where all stakeholders will join hands with the NUJ to reform our profession."
While praising the National Assembly for the passage of information bill, Adeyemi said: "I see it as the biggest dividend of democracy for journalists".
In his view, the bill will help in making Nigeria a better society. "It will go a long way towards minimising corruption. It will equally enhance our job as journalists," he said.
He pointed out that journalists would now be able to speak and write from the point of knowledge, rather than speculation. "I look at it as a step toward ensuring good governance for our nation.
"With the bill, it will be difficult for any government functionary to refuse to give information," he added.
