By Tony Adibe
A former Economic Adviser to the President on Economic Matters during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo Presidency, Professor Osita Ogbu, has advocated the establishment of the Institution of Chartered Journalists as a means of differentiating core professional journalists from fake.
Prof Ogbu made the call while delivering a lecture themed: “Journalism in a Developing Economy: The Dignity of Professional Practice”, at the ongoing NUJ Enugu State Council Press Week.
Ogbu, who is a Professor of Economics and Global Economic Consultant, called for exhibition of integrity, attitudinal change and professionalism by journalists in the discharge of their duties. According to him, “Journalism is not an all-comers affair and practitioners must imbibe reading culture, be knowledgeable, package and develope themselves, dress well and serve the public interest through shaping public discourse”
He added: “The role of journalists is to interface and act as intermediary between the government and the governed as well as shape the society for the better.” Professor Ogbu, while describing Journalism as a noble profession, urged journalists to engage in constant search for knowledge to distinguish them from quacks.
The Economist commended the organizers of the 2024 NUJ Enugu Press Week and Conference chaired by Comrade Emmanuel Ikechukwu-Jonathan for the choice of the topic and hoped for internalization of knowledge derived from the lecture.
Earlier in his remark, the Chairman of NUJ Enugu Council, Comrade Sam Udekwe, explained that the Press week was an annual event meant to bring members together to explore ways of improving on their profession and sharing conviviality as well as honouring those who distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavor.
The Secretary of the Press Week Committee, Comrade Ignatius Okpara, in a Vote of thanks, appreciated Prof Osita Ogbu for his brilliant lecture and members of the union for their presence. The grand finale of the NUJ Press Week comes up on Friday 6th December at the Press Centre, Rangers Avenue, Independence Layout, Enugu.
NewsBits reports that the ceremony, however, featured the investiture of NUJ Icon of Democracy Award on Hon. Chidi Obetta, Member Representing Nsukka /Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives National Assembly, Abuja, and NUJ Corporate Award on Afrinvest West Africa Limited.
While Obetta was honored in recognition of his numerous completed projects and many Empowerments in his Constituency, Afrinvest West Africa Limited was honored in recognition of their service to corporate space in Africa and humanity. The Group Managing Director of Afrinvest West Africa Limited, Dr. Ike Chioke received the award on behalf of Afrivest while Hon. Okwy Ossai received the award for Hon. Obetta.
