Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, at the weekend, called for a national conversation on the electoral process to reduce attendant disputes and enhance integrity of the exercise.

He made the appeal at the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria Award in Ikeja.

At the second edition, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Henry Odukomaiya; Ray Ekpu; Folu Olamiti Baba Dantiye; Dr Danladi Bako; Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo and Prof Ralph Akinfeleye were recognised.

Others in the list included Prof Stella Okunna; Emeka Izeze;  Prof Femi Adefela; Chris Anyanwu; Taiwo Alimi; Dupe Gbadebo; Tony Akiotu;  Agbeke Ogunsanwo;  Najeem Jimoh and Grace Achums.

The governor, who spoke on ‘Place of Icons in National Development: The NUJ Milestone Award in Perspective’, noted that the national conversation should address feelings of exclusion by many groups, lack of consensus on minimal goals and promote access to minimum educational standards.

He hinted that the response of a typical Nigerian politician would be that the issues were discussed.

The erstwhile Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister lauded the media for the role it played during the military rule.

Bala acknowledged that the fourth estate of the realm in the 70s, 80s and 90s rose to restore democracy.

Represented by Secretary to Bauchi State Government (SSG), Ibrahim Kashim, the keynote speaker recalled that when the award debuted last year, it struck him as a good step by the NUJ for several reasons.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in his remarks, said the symbolism and significance of regularly acknowledging the contributions of pacesetters and icons in the society could not be underestimated.

“The awardees are true icons, pioneers, achievers, record-setters and record-breakers, who have not only made their personal marks on the industry, but also raised generations of successful professionals. One thing that stands all these honourees out is their unalloyed dedication to nation-building, to the development and progress of Nigeria. They are living proof that professional excellence in journalism can co-exist with the virtue of patriotism and love for country.

“As journalists, we can hold governments and politicians and leaders to account, while   also   being   wholly   committed   to   reporting progress and development, and playing our part in enlightening and sensitising citizens to the potential and manifest greatness of the country.

“As government, we need you, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, and the press as a whole, more than ever before,” he added.