The leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ) has called on the federal government to provide bailout funds for media houses to serve as life line for journalists struggling to survive after the deadly surge of Covid-19 virus .
The bailout funds, according to the NUJ leadership, should be specially dedicated to support journalists to continue to carryout their statutory role of nation building.
The state Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ) ,Oyo state Council, Comrade Ademola Babalola made the call on Wednesday at a one day capacity building workshop for journalists in the South West on conflict sensitive reporting and 2023 general election held at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Press Centre , Iyaganku, Ibadan.
Speaking at the workshop organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ) in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Babalola said just like the government bails other critical sectors of the economy by providing life support funds, media houses could also be given life support funds by the federal government due to the critical role the media plays in nation building.
Among those present at the workshop are leaders of the NUJ including the National President, Chief Chris Isiguzo, represented by a National Trustee member, Mrs Abimbola Oyetunde, the Vice President, Zone B, Mrs Ronke Samo , the National Trustee member, Mr Bayo Akamo, the Oyo state NUJ Chairman, Alhaji Ademola Babalola , and leaders of the NUJ in the state.
Others present include top ranking officials of the INEC among whom are the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter’s Education, Mr Festus Okoye, represented by a Deputy Director in the Commission , Mrs Ndidi Okafor, INEC Head of Legal Services, Mrs Faith Okorie , INEC Administrative Secretary , Alhaji Abiodun Onikate-Amosu, and the INEC Head of Voters’ Education, Mrs Rosemary Alaba Adeniyi .
In the last few years , many journalists have been thrown out of jobs, while those still in the system were owed several. months of salaries , with attendant effects on the growth and development of the profession.
The NUJ chairman while lamenting the deplorable condition of many journalists in the country , opined that with intervention of the federal government , comatose media houses can be revived, while many journalists could be gainfully employed .
Also speaking at the workshop, the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter’s Education, Mr. Festus Okoye said that one of the objectives of the capacity building workshop was to provide opportunity for journalists to be aware of the key activities of the electoral body in the coming 2023 general election.
Okoye who was represented by a Deputy Director in the Commission, Mrs Ndidi Okafor stressed the urgent need for journalists to report accurately INEC activities before, during and after the 2023 election.
” For example, a journalist is talking about the Electoral Act , he must know that there was Electoral Act 2010, and that what the country is operating currently is no longer Electoral Act 2010, but the 2022 Electoral Act. If you don’t know this , you cannot be able to inform the public accurately. So, that is one of the objectives of the workshop, ” she stated.
The union also warned journalists against any attempt to deviate from the ethics of the profession because it will not augur well for the country.
Speaking at the NUJ National President, Chief Chris Isiguzo warned against any attempt to deviate from the ethics of the profession while reporting activities of the electoral body.
Isiguzo who was represented by the NUJ national trustee in charge of Zone F, Abimbola Oyetunde, also hinted that the union was ready to work with INEC to ensure that democracy works properly in the country.
The NUJ President who said that the role of the media in Nigeria’s emerging democracy is crucial insisted that media professionals must maintain the highest possible standards in their practice.
Isiguzo, while speaking further explained that journalists should be committed to improving the ethical standard of news reportage during the elections.
Also, the INEC’s administrative secretary in Oyo State, Mr Abiodun Onikate-Amosu in his goodwill message said that journalists are expected to have a thorough understanding of issues pertaining to elections.
