By Shaagee Orkula and Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

The media has been charged to eschew primordial journalism and report on issues that would strengthen development of the country.

Similarly, it was also urged  to adhere to the ethics of the profession, promote economic growth and institutionalisation of policies.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Reverend Yakubu Pam, who gave the charge, also frowned at the abuse of social media, warning that if adequate measures were not taken it could ignite global crisis.

Rev. Pam said this yesterday when he received the Editor-in-Chief/ Publisher of DAILY ASSET Newspaper, Dr Cletus Akwaya and his entourage in his office in Abuja.

The NCPC boss, who expressed delight with the visit, noted that the “media plays critical and enviable role in national development, hence the reason every chief executive must carry the media along. 

“Without the media we will not sale our agenda and every country has to work with the media to be able to sell what it has as her own product. 

“The media serves as a gatekeeper, an agenda setter. My only fear with the media is the one they call Social Media. Of course you know the damages that they do – character assassination is involved in it, and media is supposed to set a very good agenda for every institution, agencies, and commissions like this one, which many of you are already into it. 

“But it’s a pity that  the social media which some people take advantage of it to cause a lot of damage to individuals, groups and to organisations,” he stated.

Rev. Pam who was a former Northern chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) comprising of the 19 northern states, used the occasion to call on other media practitioners to adhere to the conventional media practice to correct the anomalies in the social media which has brought disrepute to the conventional media.

He called on Nigeria media to look critically at the ills of social media, lamenting, ”it is destroying the value of media, it is destroying the work of the founding fathers of the media. 

”If care is not taking, there are a lot of damages going on and things may not augur well. I foresee a situation that physical war of different countries will begin in the social media because of the so many blackmail that people use it for. ”But I am glad we have people like you in the media family who are very mature, who know your work and are setting agenda for institutions for national and institutional development, ”he observed

He noted that the media also play a key role dissemination of information and education to effect social changes in any direction. 

”Of course, like I have said, it is very essential for us to remind ourselves once in a while that this is what we do and that helps us in building institutions. Media is an effective medium of communication and for me, NCPC is proud to have a very strong media department selling our agenda. 

”We have no  other way to sell our agenda except through the media. I therefore, welcome you into our family.”

Rev. Pam said that the media is a key partner of the Commission, adding that the Commission uses the media very effectively during pilgrimage to caution intending pilgrims against indulging in any act that may bring disrepute to the country and also issue guidelines pertaining to the procedures of performing the pilgrimage. 

He added that if anyone (intending pilgrim) was found wanton, “we will not allow he or she to join the pilgrimage especially those who may abscond during the journey.”

In his remarks, DAILY ASSET Publisher, Dr Cletus Akwaya, who congratulated Rev. Pam on his appointment, said, he had no doubt that Pam “will change the face of the NCPC”.

Dr Akwaya told his host that he came with a small delegation in compliance with the COVID-19 protocols.

 “We are here essentially to felicitate with you on your appointment as the Executive Secretary of the NCPC,” he told his host.

Akwaya described the appointment of Rev Pam by President Muhammadu Buhari as a well deserved one, saying, “President Buhari wouldn’t have made a better choice than you.”

The publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper also described Rev Pam as a square peg in a round hole.

“I will say this with all sense of responsibility not because we are here with you, but anybody who is familiar with your pedigree, will agree that you are truly a square peg in a square hole and a round peg in a round hole. Once you were appointed the joy cuts across the strata of the Nigerian society, even our brothers in the Muslim community were excited that somebody with integrity is coming to head the commission.

It now places a great burden on you as our ambassador, you will lead us well and remain a shining light that you have been all along to the Christian community of this country,” he said.

Dr Akwaya said that the Media establishment  had confidence in the new Executive Secretary of the Commission adding, that “with God on our side, you will take this commission to the greatest height never ever attained.”

He explained that the visit was to also introduce formally DAILY ASSET Newspaper to him.

“You might have been reading us over the years but this occasion demands that we formally present the newspaper to you and to let you know that we are partners in progress, we have been partners with the commission ever before you came in and have no reason to severe the ties with your arrival. If anything, your arrival will make us to even boost the relationship and make it stronger because of the confidence we have in your leadership.

 “That is why from day one of your assumption of office, we started with making our modest contribution with the kind of positive publicity to enhance your feasibility. And as we go along, the message of change that you have brought to the commission, the vision that you have set out to pursue  will be explained through our medium to Nigerians, particularly the Christian community. So that they will understand the true content of Christian pilgrimage and the other activities that the commission carries out as part of it’s mandate,” he added.

While congratulating the new executive secretary, he prayed the almighty God to give him wisdom, the time and the kind given to His servant, King Solomon so that Rev Pam can discern between what is good and what is bad as he leads the commission. 

“We pray also for good health because  without good health you won’t have the physical strength even the mental strength that you require to do the assignment that the President has placed on your shoulder. So we believe that God will be with you as you serve this nation and the Christian community,” he said.

The highlight of the visit was the official presentation of copies of DAILY ASSET Newspapers to the Executive Secretary by Dr Akwaya.