Major Media stakeholders in Ekiti State rising from a one day Roundtable Discussion on Re-positioning the Media Sector in the state have advocated professionalism and discipline of media personnel in the State.
The Roundtable Discussion was part of the 2019 Press Week Activities of the Ekiti State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The roundtable discussion was co-chaired by the Commissioner for Information, Aare Muyiwa Olomilua and the Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Yinka Oyebode. Comrade Rotimi Ojomoyela, while the State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ekiti State was also at the event as the Chief Host.
Present at the forum also included the Managing Director of Voice 89.9FM, Mr. Donald Falayi and that of Ayoba 95.5FM, Mr. Wale Ojo. Other stakeholders included the representatives of Progress 100.5FM Managing Director, Rev. Oladeji Bankole; that of the NTA in Ado Ekiti, Mr. Samuel Johnson who is the director of news.
Others included the former Commissioner of Information, Mr. Lanre Ogunsuyi; former Chairman of Ekiti State NUJ Council, High Chief Laolu Omosilade; current Special Adviser, Media to Rt. Hon. Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Barrister Funminiyi Afuye and former Chairman of Ekiti State NUJ, Akogun Tai Oguntayo; Mr. Segun Dipe, a Media Aide to Governor of Ekiti State; Mrs. Mary Omotoso, also a Media Aide and Mrs. Sola-Salako Ajulo, Senior Special Assistant on Communication and Strategy to Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State among others.
The highlight of the roundtable discussion was when the summary of the views, suggestions and contributions made by the participants was read as a communiqué signaling the position of the meeting.
The roundtable discussion resolved that there must be moral and professional discipline among the various media practitioners that exist in the state. They urged Journalists to ensure they are traceable to specific media outfits. Media owners were also advised to ensure that journalists are well remunerated in order to discourage unprofessional conducts.
A call was made for a change of name from the Nigeria Union of Journalists to Association of Journalists to accommodate professionals working with private organizations not involved in union activities.
The gathering also advised on the need for adequate implementation of the ethical rules and regulations of journalism by media organizations and relevant bodies such as NUJ and Nigeria Press Council.
“Thorough screening that involves the National Secretariat of NUJ in collaboration with the States Councils should be maintained in order to check and prevent fake elements parading themselves as journalists”.
A call was also made to the government and the NUJ to encourage media proprietors to pay journalists on their payroll as at when due. “Appropriate authorities in the industry should equally push for insurance scheme for journalists to enhance their commitment to duty”.
The meeting called on Journalists to be sincere and prudent in managing the resources of their employers and shun acts that could destroy their place of livelihood.
Stakeholders counseled that the local government information officers at various local government areas should be up and doing while their welfare should also be prioritized. They should also be given the opportunity to attend the Executive Council meetings of Local Government where they are serving.
The roundtable meeting deliberated on the need to develop a charter that will create platform for members of the public to identify genuine and professional journalists in the state.
Packaged by Emmanuel Adeniran
