The success of Nigeria's Democracy and its sustainability rely on the objectivity and nose for facts by the Journalists. Making the revelation was the Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State during the official opening of the 8th Triennial National Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Owerri, Imo State.
Governor Uzodimma charged the Journalists to ensure strict ethics of the practice, be factual, and provide space for open debate towards ensuring quality Governance and Accountability. He added that Journalists play key roles which include, Reliable information, Societal watchdog, facilitating healthy debate and reflecting on Society diverse opinion, advising the Society and Practitioners to be wary of Fake News on social media and quacks.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, represented by a Director in the Ministry, Dr Suleiman Haruna, harps on the fact that the Journalists roles are very critical not only in strengthening Democracy, but also shaping the opinion of the Public and Government. Journalists, he said should serve as the voice of the voiceless, expose corruption in the society with evidential Reports.
The Keynote Speaker, speaking on the Theme for the Conference, Media and Democracy, The Journalists' Roles in Holding Leaders Accountable, identified Journalists responsibilities to center around ensuring Governments are responsible and accountable and at all times ensure that the Masses are informed correctly.
In his valedictory speech, the NUJ President, Dr Chris Iziguzoh declared that the last six years have been eventful in the Union, from the success of ensuring that Journalists from the Private Sector were paid, to opportunity for Training and Retraining of Members towards improving efficiency and quality News Reportage. Five former Presidents and one Vice President were conferred with the Fellowship of Nigeria Union of Journalists.
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