World Press Day: Buhari needs media to succeed in fight against corruption- NUJ
World Press Day: Buhari needs media to succeed in fight against corruption- NUJ
By Alex Uangbaoje
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), has said there was urgent need for the incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari, to know that good governance and fight against corruption can succeed only if the press is given unconditional access to the process of governance and those in government.
This was the submission of the cross-section of newsmen at the end of this year’s commemoration of World Press Freedom Day in Kaduna with the theme: Let journalism thrive! Towards better reporting, gender equality and media safety in digital age.
The journalists also wanted the government and media operator to invest heavily in capacity building and legal backing for journalists in order to discharge their statutory responsibility without fear or favour from any member of the society, just as they promised to be alive to their responsibility at all times.
Earlier in an address, President of NUJ, Malam Muhammed Garba, urged Journalists to be responsive and responsible in their professional conduct, taking into cognizance of social responsibility as watch-dogs of the society, especially as regarding good governance which was part of six fundamental elections principles.
According to him, “On this occasion, I will like to draw my colleagueS on the need to be responsive and responsible in their professional conduct, taking into cognizance the fact that is our social responsibility as the watchdogs of the society to always remind our leaders of the importance of good governance which consists of six. Fundamental elections principles.
“This year’s press freedom day examines several issues which include free and independent journalism and quality reporting in the context of digital age, issue of women in the media and safety of Journalists’ sources from digital disclosure.
He however added that the main objective of the day was to remind government, nongovernmental organization and civil society of the vital role of the liberty of freedom of press in strengthening democracy and promoting development around the world.
Highlight of the day were presentation of papers, career talk with students of Federal Government College and Future Leaders Schools, all in Kaduna and pen parade by participants.
