The Federal Government has restated its commitment to creating a conducive environment for journalists and the media profession in the country. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance yesterday in Abuja at a book presentation titled ‘Writing for Media and Monetising it’ by Azu Ishiekwene.
He said: “As we celebrate this milestone, it is also important to reaffirm the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to a free and responsible journalism. We understand that a society can only flourish when its media organs are free to report the truth without fear of retribution and to equally hold those in authority accountable.
“The Tinubu’s administration is therefore, dedicated to creating an environment where journalists can work freely, without intimidation, and with the assurance that their rights will be acknowledged and protected.”
The Minister, however, stressed that, freedom comes with responsibility.
He noted that as the government championed the cause of a free press, it is incumbent on the media to exercise the freedom with a sense of duty, ethics and patriotism.
According to him, it is crucial that the information disseminated to the public is accurate, balanced, and devoid of sensationalism.
Speaking on the book, the Minister said the author had done a huge favour of distilling his great skill, talents and experience into the 280 pages of valuable works.
Speaking, the chairman, Leadership Newspaper Group, Mrs Zainab Nda-Isaiah, said the author has been honing his craft, writing articles that educate, inform and entertain on various and diverse topics.
“This book is not just a collection of tips and tricks, but a comprehensive guide that covers the entire process of writing for media from idea generation, to publication. However, this book is in a class of its own, because beyond what I just mentioned as its focus, the book also focuses on monetizing the craft of great writing,’’ Nda-Isaiah said
Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi of Mass Communication Department, School of Postgraduates Studies, Baze University, emphasised on the need for the media to be creative and adapt new trends in media profession.
