Put National Interest First In Your News Reportage – Babcock Varsity VC Tasks Media Practitioners
Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta
The President/Vice Chancellor of the Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo Ogun State, Prof.Ademola Tayo over the weekend urged Media Practitioners in Nigeria to always put National interest above all other interests while engaging in their daily activities.
He noted that journalists through their reportage are also great influencers in moulding the opinions of the citizenry, however urging them to be responsible in their reportage and put the nation’s development and interest first.
He said this during the annual end of the year media dinner by the management of the Babcock University on Saturday evening.
Prof. Tayo who was surrounded by other academic and non-teaching staff of the institution at the event which hosted print, broadcast and online/digital journalists while preaching responsible journalism, pleaded with them to eschew stories that could incite violence.
His words, “As members of the media, you have been given a special privilege, the privilege of influencing the opinions, thoughts, and beliefs of millions of people. You have practicalised this distinguishably in shaping public discourse and the opinions of citizens in the area of education by interrogating the role of government, private sector and the parents in ensuring relevant and responsive educational programmes that train the youth for the present and the future.
“With the privilege you have, comes also a great responsibility to the peace,
unity, and development of our dear country. As journalists, It is your responsibility to strive always to put the peace, unity, and development of our Country first in your reporting.
“We must understand that your actions could have significant impacts on our country. You must realize that while you enjoy the freedom to express yourselves, you must also recognize the limits and ethics that guide your profession. You must be cautious not to fuel hate or incite violence with your reporting.
“It is your responsibility to promote understanding, bring about constructive dialogue, and ensure that the public has access to accurate and unbiased information.
While seeking for fair reportage of events , Prof. Ademola Tayo said “As a journalist, recognizing the limits and ethics that govern your profession is critical to ensuring that your reporting is accurate, unbiased, and responsible.
“As journalists, you must avoid any situation that may lead to potential conflicts of interest. Be objective and transparent in your reporting and, where necessary, disclose any potential conflicts of interest to your audience. Se feedback and guidance from peers and editors: Seek feedback from your colleagues and editors to help you identify areas where you may be violating
ethical standards.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Education Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN), Mr Mojeed Alabi said the society looked up to the universities to solve challenges facing the nation, promising that journalists would create the forum for this synergy to be crystalised.
Alabi who commended Babcock University’s management for fostering a positive relationship with the media, assured that EWAN has the mandate to continue to project the activities in the nation’s ivory towers with the focus that they are veritable sources of medical breakthroughs and other inventions necessary for national development.
Other highlight of the evening was the exciting performance of a five-man songsters named Chord who serenaded the journalists with Christmas songs in English, Yoruba and Igbo languages.
