Radda urges journalists to uphold professionalism, bolster peaceful coexistence
Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State has reiterated the need for journalists to continue to uphold professionalism to create peaceful coexistence in the state and country in general.
He made the call on Tuesday in Katsina at an anniversary lecture and get-together to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), organised by the state council of the union.
Represented by the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Dr Bala Salisu-Zango, Radda recognised the role played by the NUJ in fighting for the independence of Nigeria.
After the independence, he said, journalists also contributed immensely to the development of the nation’s democracy.
He, therefore, stressed the need for the journalists to continue to support the government in the fight against corruption and insecurity bedeviling the country.
governorernor further urged journalists to always use journalism ethics to shun fake news and inciting stories in their reportage.
According to Radda, this imperative to boost peace, adding, “without which, there will be no any development.’
He also spoke at length on the activities of some social media handlers, chiding then for circulating fake news without minding their implications.
In his remarks, the NUJ National President, Mr Alhassan Yahaya, represented by the NUJ Zonal Secretary, Zone A, Abdulrazak Bello Kaura, said, “the role of the journalist is not just to inform, but to inform responsibly.
“I, therefore, urge all journalists, especially those reporting from conflict zones, to reflect professionalism, accuracy, balance, and empathy in their work.
“Let us report with the intention to heal, unite, and contribute to restoring normalcy, not to incite or inflame tensions.
“We must also hold the government accountable, but we must do so ethically and truthfully.
“Our watchdog role is vital in ensuring good governance, transparency, and a corruption-free society.”
He also condemned the wanton killings of innocent lives across the country and appreciated the enormous sacrifices of the Armed Forces.
The NUJ State Council Chairman, Mr Tukur Dan-Ali, said that it was exactly 70 years of patriotism and service to the nation.
He commended the past leaders of the union for the progress they had brought to the profession.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture had theme ‘NUJ at 70: A Historical Perspective’, and it was delivered by Dr Samaila Balarabe of the Department of Mass Communications, Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic.
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