Media practitioners have been identified as critical stakeholders in the promotion of national unity and patriotism in Nigeria.
This is even as the Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Hadiza Kabir, believes that the feat can be achieved through the promotion of various developmental strides of the government.
Kabir, while speaking at a media workshop organized by the Coalition For Good Governance And Economic Justice in Africa, said Journalists even in the course of being ethical must advance, educate and inform the society of those policies that are being churned out and its attendant benefits to them.
She spoke on a topic: “Balancing Ethics and Patriotism: The Obligations of Journalists to their Country.”
According to her, the practice of journalism is too important to be neglected by any nation, political party or politician, as they not only set agenda for discourse, but also engage critical stakeholders in governance and ensure that government is held accountable for its actions and inactions in relation to promises made towards the delivery of democratic dividends to the governed.
She however, regretted that the exalted field of journalism is on trial as the gate has been thrown open to accommodate all comers to engage in the all important business of news and information management, thus, lowering the
standards and accuracy of information being churn out for public consumption.
“As the fourth estate of the realm, you are part of the drivers of the national progressive ideals; part of those that should mobilize and ensure that good policies see the light of the day, not otherwise. As you deliberate and brainstorm today, make it a duty to be champions of progress and
advancement.
“Journalists as citizens must ply their trade to the advancement of the country’s well-being. Criticisms must and have to be constructive and not destructive, you must learn from the western media that will never do what will jeopardize the cohesion and survival of the corporate existence of their country.
“They must not always be on the other side of the divide just to criticize the government as no government is totally bad.
Patriotism demands that we seek to act and comport ourselves in such manners as to build and defend our nation and its territorial integrity at all times.
“To me, patriotism should be the watchword while applying the ethics of your profession. I agree that you must take to task political office holders so as to ensure good governance and dividends of democracy get to the grassroot.”
