By; AYO OJEDOKUN, Lagos
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council has held a public lecture as part of activities marking the 2022 Press Week of the union.
The event which took place at the Combo Hall of LTV was declared open by Chairman, NUJ Lagos State Council, Mr Adeleye Ajayi.
“I welcome you all to this august gathering to brainstorm on “Media and 2023 Transition: In Search of Good Leadership.
“This topic is very germane as the 2023 general elections draw near.
“The media has a major role to play in agenda setting especially as it affects politics.
“The media should know more about the candidates; have knowledge of economics; use available resources to check facts; provide a platform for debate on all sides and reflect the news about the weak, ” Ajayi said.
The chairman further tasked members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm to hold government accountable to the people.
“As watchdogs of the society, the media must listen to what the politicians are saying and draw a conclusion as to the reality on ground.
“In the course of reporting, the media should be cautious in dissemination of materials.
“The media should be watchdogs in truth and display patriotism, ” Ajayi said.
Meanwhile, the event became more colourful and interesting when the audience tapped from the contributions by the panel of discussants comprising Academia and media professionals.
The Guest Lecturer of the occasion, Prof. Anthony Kila, Director, Centre for International Advanced and Professional Studies, sensitized the audience on quality leadership.
“Leadership is key for Nigeria to thrive. A true leader is one that understands the burden of leadership which is primarily concerned with setting the tone of what is acceptable or not in governance.
“Secondly, leadership is tested by output and such act must cut across all sectors if the nation must achieve its set goals.
“We need leaders that can understand that fighting scarcity in every industry is the way to fight corruption, ” he said.
Kila reiterated that for Nigeria to get it right, the media must play its role in ensuring that Nigerians are well informed to make the right choice in a democratic setting.
“The democracy we enjoy today is a sacrifice made by some persons. Lots of lives were lost during the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) movement in the quest for a better country” he said.
Members of the panel of discussants were, Mrs. Yewande Iwoha, General Manager, Raypower FM; Mr.Korede Ogunbunmi, General Manager Radio One; and Dr.Jide Johnson of the Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ).
It was posited that shared leadership which also involved community leadership was a duty of all Nigerians and must not be left to government alone.
The panel pointed out that in a bid to make Nigeria work and progress, the media must play its roles professionally.
They advised that journalists must be well informed on candidates seeking political offices, in order to ask informed questions that will help Nigerians take informed decisions.
Discussants noted that the media must be at the forefront of the struggle as the hallmark of Journalism is patriotism.
Meanwhile, Chairman, Press Week Committee, Mr Wale Akodu, was full of appreciation to the Leye Ajayi,lead Executive for initiating a lecture that has brought out the best in today’s guest lecturer, Prof. Anthony kila and other panel of discussants who have done justice to the above topic. ‘ Honestly, this came at a time our country is searching for a worthy, competent and notable leader that can return the country past glory come 2023″. Akodu concluded .
