Nigerian journalists have been enjoined to establish a baseline standard and thoroughly evaluate the terms of their engagement before accepting any job offer. This imperative arises from the necessity to preserve the ethical foundations of the journalism profession.
This directive was imparted during a comprehensive training session on ‘Safety and Protection of Journalists and Workplace Compliance,’ a one-day event organized by LightRay Media in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Correspondents Chapel.
Addressing the attendees, Miss Ejiro Umuokoro, the esteemed resource person, emphasized the paramount importance of self-development through both national and international training for media practitioners. Umuokoro cautioned against the acceptance of bribes and gratuities from government officials, highlighting the degrading nature of such practices. She asserted that journalists must adopt a set of personal values that will bolster their standing for future career advancements.
Umuokoro stressed the necessity of meticulous investigation and verification of news items before publication, urging journalists to adhere to international best practices. She declared that the era of conformity is obsolete and encouraged journalists to differentiate themselves by carving out unique niches within the field.
In addition, Umuokoro urged journalists to hold their employers accountable and to seek legal recourse when confronted with violations of the ‘rules of engagement.’ Such actions, she contended, would augment the respect accorded to journalists in their pursuit of fulfilling their vital roles within and beyond their respective organizations.
Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Jide Oyekunle, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel, commended LightRay Media for orchestrating the training initiative. Oyekunle lauded the potential enrichment of members’ knowledge and skills resulting from the program. He articulated that a robust, unrestricted press serves as a cornerstone of democracy, but lamented the increasingly hostile and constrictive environment within which journalists operate in Nigeria.
Oyekunle underlined that the safety of journalists is non-negotiable and lamented the prevailing atmosphere, which he described as hazardous and suffocating. He expressed concern over the escalating challenges faced by journalists, encompassing oppression, arrests, threats, and both physical and online attacks. Oyekunle highlighted the manipulation of laws, such as the Cybercrime Act 2015, to suppress press freedom.
The Chairman criticized Nigeria’s low ranking in the Press Freedom Index, highlighting the country’s poor performance in West Africa. He underscored the need to educate Nigerians about their rights and the fundamental objectives of the constitution, reinforcing that journalism is the lifeblood of democracy.
Also, speaking at the event, Comrade Ochiaka Ùgwù, the Secretary of the Council, extended appreciation to LightRay for dedicating time to enhance journalists’ skills. He emphasized the timeliness of the topics discussed and commended the Correspondents Chapel for consistently organizing programs that positively impact journalists.
