Chapel chairman launches new books
Journalists , publishers and mediapreneurs (investors) in Abia State recently held their maiden ‘Media Day’ in Umuahia, the state capital. Organised by media blocs in the state, comprising Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ ), Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria ( OMPAN ), National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Radio, Television and Theatre Workers Union (RATTAWU) and others, the event had as theme, ‘Celebrating The Voice Of Abia, Empowering The Future of Media.’
Two days to the event, chairman of the state’s NUJ Correspondents Chapel, Sam Obinna Ibe, launched his new books on journalism titled, Professional Journalism Practice Under Threat and Writing For Print Media.
The media day event featured a keynote lecture delivered by a political scientist and commentator on public contemporary issues, Dr Maduka Okoro. He said despite the numerous challenges threatening the effective performance of media, it remains a vital institution in Nigeria’s democratic practice.
In his lecture, titled, Challenges of the Media in Today’s Contemporary Nigeria, he stated that it is the responsibility of the media practitioners to ensure they continue to play their role in promoting democratic values, holding those in power accountable, and giving voice to the voiceless.
He listed some challenges, which he described as serious to the media. They include, censorship and repression, government’s tendency to muzzle the press and restrict freedom of expression. He cited the Cybercrime Act and the Hate Speech Bill, which he stated could be used to silence journalists and stifle free speech.
“As the media in Nigeria struggles to maintain its independence and impartiality in the face of increasing commercial pressure, the decline of traditional revenue streams has forced many media outlets to rely on advertising and sponsored content, which can compromise their editorial independence.”
On challenge of professionalism and ethics, he posited that though fake news and propaganda have eroded public trust in the media, journalists must adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics to regain public trust.
Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti, who was represented by the State Information Commissioner, Prince Okey Kanu, acknowledged that media practitioners in Abia State have been complementing the efforts of his administration through their reportage.
Appreciating their sacrifices and continued cordial working relationship between the media practitioners in the state and his administration, Governor Otti also acknowledged challenges media practitioners face in their duties.
Speaking during the book launch, Abia NUJ chairman, Ibe, said the occasion marked the turning point of his academic research that started many years ago.
“The books are geared towards promoting sound, objective and responsible journalism practice in Nigeria”. According to him, the book, Professional Journalism Practice Under Threat, is meant principally for younger generation of journalists and students of journalism/mass communication in tertiary institutions, untrained social media users and gate-crashers into the profession without any rudimentary training in journalism/mass communication.
He explained that his other book, Writing For The Print Media, is targeted at undergraduate students in journalism institutes, polytechnics, universities and those without requisite training in journalism but are in the field practicing including indeed, the general public.
