Media
Editors Recommit To Defence of Democracy, Press Freedom
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The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has recommitted itself to creating the enabling and sustainable environment that upholds press freedom and protection of journalists’ rights, in order to ensure the sustainability of democracy and good governance.
Conscious of its constitutional and social responsibility, the professional body of all editors in Nigeria also said that its commitment to professionalism will help shape the narratives, influence public opinion, and help forge a society that thrives on transparency, inclusivity, justice and a system of government that is accountable to the citizens.
The editors stated these at the end of its two-day national biennial convention, which took place in Owerri, the Imo State capital at the weekend.
In a communique signed by its President, Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the editors added that in a rapidly evolving media landscape, where information flows at an exceptional pace, the role of journalism in shaping good governance and democracy has never been more crucial than now.
‘’We, as journalists, bear the enormous responsibility of providing accurate, reliable, and unbiased news to the public, thereby fostering transparency, accountability, and public participation in the affairs of our nation.
‘’The 2023 general elections marked a decisive turning point for our nation’s democracy. And as we embark on this new phase, it has become very necessary that editors – as gatekeepers recommit themselves to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and integrity. We must be the precursors of truth, holding those in power accountable; while providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives’’, the editors stated.
Examining the role of journalists in the 2023 general elections at the convention tilted, “Post 2023 Election: Promoting Professionalism for Enhancement of Democracy and Good Governance”, which was attended by 400 editors cutting across the print, broadcast and online media, editors recommitted themselves to the watchdog role – in ensuring that public office holders are closely monitored in order to live up to the expectation of the people.
The NGE further added, ‘’To achieve this, we must prioritize continuous professional development and capacity building. As journalists, we should strive to stay updated on emerging trends, technological advancements, and ethical standards within our industry. This national convention serves as a demonstration to our shared commitment to excellence and the pursuit of knowledge.
‘’We intend to collaborate and foster partnerships not only within our ranks but also with other stakeholders in the democratic space; engaging with civil society organizations, government agencies, and international bodies in order to build bridges and intensify our mutual impact. By doing so, we will be in strategic position to continue to create an enabling environment that upholds press freedom, protection of journalists’ rights, and ensures the sustainability of democracy and our profession.’’
The editors praised Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who declared the elective convention open, for creating the conducive environment for the successful national biennial convention.
The peaceful elective convention saw Eze Anaba, the Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, securing 250 votes to emerge as the new President. He defeated his only opponent Bolaji Adebiyi, Executive Editor, Western Post, who polled 81.
Other members of the new executive elected include, Husseina Akila Bangshika, Deputy President; Sheddy Ozoene, Vice-President (East); Umoru Ibrahim, Vice-President (North); Dr. Kabir Alabi Garba, Vice President (West); Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, General Secretary; Gabriel Akinadewo, Assistant General Secretary; Steve Nwosu, Treasurer and Charles Kalu, Social/Publicity Secretary.
Other Standing Committee members elected were Onuoha Ukeh; Paulyn Ugbodaga; Oluwole Sogunle; Dom Isute; Rose Moses, Chinedu Egere and Mohammed Sanusi Jibril.
Media
Nami, Ex-FIRS Chairman Receives Top10 Magazine ‘Man of the Year 2023’ Award
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Health
ICRC Trains 25 Journalists on First Aid Treatment in Yola
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From Yagana Ali, Yola.
The International Committee of the Red Cross(ICRC) has organized a three -day training for 25 journalists on effective First Aid Treatment to prospective casualties.
The workshop, which took place in Yola drew the beneficiaries from different media houses across the state.
In a presentation, Communication Field Officer of the organization, Lemdi Edmond took the participants memory lane from its cradle to limelight.
He pointed out that ICRC intervenes basically in crises involving armed conflicts translating to man -made or unnatural disasters.
Edmond further explained that while the International Federation of the Red Cross intervenes in the area of natural disasters, like flood and earthquake, the National Red Cross Societies handles both natural and man – made situations.
The Communication Field Officer identified seven principles of the Committee to include humanity, impartiality,Neutrality and independence among others.
On their parts, First Aid and Pre-hospital Care Field Office Yola and Abuja respectively, Charity Maxwell and Daniel Ebodor jointly exposed the participants to the meaning, relevance and significance of the First Aid.
They maintained that First Aids basically aimed to save life, prevent condition from further deteriorating and promote speedy recovery.
They identified truthfulness, sympathy, resourcefulness, tolerance and empathy among others as qualities of a good First Aider.
The duo also enumerated and extensively explained Primary Survey variables relating to First Aid as Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing and chest compression.
Interestingly, the participants were vigorously engaged in practical First Aid treatment on various aspects having to do with Burns, Fainting, Fracture and bleeding among others.
Highlights of the training were questions and answers, presentation of certificate and First Aid Kits to the participants
COVER
Newspaper Proprietors Decry Harsh Economy, Seek FG Bailout
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By David Torough, Abuja
The Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), on Thursday, urged the Federal Government to support the print media to prevent it from going extinct.
Members of NPAN said this in Abuja, during a Business Lunch for some of their colleagues who were recently appointed as ministers.
Four members of the association were recently appointed as ministers by President Bola Tinubu.
They include Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Economy; Mr Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development; Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, Minister of Information and National Orientation, and Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy.
The President of NPAN, Malam Kabir Yusuf, said that the media deserved to be supported because it played an integral role in national development.
Yusuf commended Tinubu for finding so many members of the association worthy to be appointed as ministers.
The publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, and life patron of NPAN, Mr Sam Amuka, said that it was commendable to have four of his colleagues as ministers.
He advised the ministers to represent the association well, urging them to use their influence in government to ensure a free press.
“Let the Newspapers Breathe,” he told the Ministers as he emphasised the need for Federal government intervention to save the Newspaper industry from imminent collapse.
“The Newspapers are losing revenues everyday,” Amuka stated.
In his response, the Finance Minister, Wale Edun, assured the association that Tinubu’s economic reforms would be beneficial to all individuals and groups within the country.
Edun urged members of NPAN to support the government by being factual and objective in their reportage.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, who described himself as an NPAN ambassador in government, urged journalists to be analytical and to always resist the temptation to peddle falsehood.
“Do not join the crowd to peddle falsehood, ” he said.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described himself as the luckiest information minister in history.
Malagi said that his plan was to change the face of government communication.
“Trust in the communication coming out of government will be encouraged.
“I will not tell lies; I will say it the way it is. You people should also report it the way it is, ” he said.
He said that the government would also take steps to restore the integrity of public broadcasting by equipping and empowering government-owned broadcast houses.
Also present at the business lunch was veteran journalist and former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, as well as prominent senior Nigerian journalists, proprietors, President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and that of Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Eze Anaba( additional reports from NAN)