Adebayo Adenrele
Journalists in Ekiti state have expressed worry over the attitude of some media aides who shield their Principals and block newsmen from accessing critical events.
This was part of the resolutions reached during a media summit organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ekiti State Council to commemorate 2024 World Press Freedom Day.
Speaking at the event, the chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti state council, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi said the purpose of the gathering was to commemorate the World Press day on how best to reposition the union and invoke the confidence of the public in journalists.
Speaking on variant issues, the journalists jointly agreed to uphold diligence and utmost integrity in the course of discharging their duties irrespective of the numerous challenges confronting the profession.
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, Yinka Oyebode represented by the Special Assistant, Documentation, Femi Owolabi noted that the conventional media remains the most reliable source of information and news reportage but 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, the DG Community Communications, Mary Oso-Omotosho urged journalists to build relationships, maintain them and catch up with technology which will enable them to expand their network.
The General Manager, Radio Nigeria, Progress FM, Ado Ekiti, Dr. Adebola Agbaje, S A to the speaker on media, Babajode Agbeyo, a former Chairman of NUJ in Ekiti Akogun Tai Oguntayo and the immediate past chairman of NUJ, 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.