Magnus Aluma, Abakaliki
The National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo has called on the Federal Government to ensure full implementation of the freedom of information law, to guarantee a conducive working environment for journalists in the country.
He made the call at the Grand Finale of the 2023 Press Week of the Ebonyi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), held at Dr Sam Egwu Press Centre, Abakaliki, the state capital.
Comrade Isiguzo urged political leaders in the country to work closely with the media, adding that the press as watch dog of the society, is also a powerful instrument of development of any society.
According to him, “government should allow full enforcement of the Freedom of Information Law, and also guarantee press freedom. This will also help in protecting the lives of practicing journalists in the country.”
In an address on the occasion, the NUJ National Vice President, Zone C, Comrade Emmanuel Ifesinachi urged journalists in the country, to embrace developmental journalism as their core base.
Comrade Ifesinachi also recommended ethical journalism as a yardstick to measure the credibility of practitioners and promote the dignity of the media industry. Earlier in a welcome address, the chairman of the Ebonyi Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Samson Nwafor thanked the state government for its support to the union.
Comrade Nwafor also acknowledged the support of the National Secretariat of NUJ, to the Council, adding that this has also led to the success of the programme. Speaking on the theme of this year’s Press Week, ‘Atitudinal Change and Responsible Journalism’ he said, the topic was chosen in view of the decline in ethical Journalism amongst media practitioners.
He said: “there is alarming decline in ethical journalism, and the Council strongly believes that with a media icon, Dr Odicha Ude, being the Keynote Speaker, tangible results would be achieved in the area of moral rejuvenation and revitalization of attitudinal change for a better society.”
