Journalists Charged On Objective Reportage To Avert Violence

 

Journalists have been charged to make ethics of their profession a watchword in reportage of elections and other conflict sensitive issues.

The charge was made by the United Nations Development Programme country Director, Mr Samuel Bwala during a 5-day capacity building workshop on Conflict Sensitive Reportage organized by the UNDP for journalists ahead of the Osun governorship election.

The Director, who was represented by Mr Mathew Alao also disclosed that media practitioners are stakeholders in a conflict-free society, especially in election coverage and reporting.

He added that media plays critical role in national development of different countries, irrespective of forms of government they practice, saying the media plays significant roles in disseminating information to majority of the populace in the nooks and crannies of the country.

“The people have trust in the media to the extent that whatever news that is spread is taken as the gospel truth, such news can cause harm and can promote healthy relationship depending on the interpretation given to it.

“Political news particularly around elections in Nigeria often evokes sentiment, in extreme cases result to violence and sometimes calm fray nerves.

“It is therefore become imperative to build and continue to build the capacity of media to be conscious of the fact that their reportage may make or mar the country with serious unintended consequences on the citizens”, he stated.

In his remark, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Osun, Dr. Olalekan Yinusa described journalists as the conscience of the society, hence, the need for media practitioners to adhere strictly to the tenets of their profession.

He said the state government would not relent in ensuring that journalists enjoy an enabling environment to practice their profession.

Speaking earlier, the Osun NUJ Chairman, Mr Abiodun Olalere disclosed that Osun is experiencing relative peace because journalists in the state discharge their duties with acceptable standard.

He commended the UNDP for considering the state NUJ and its members for the workshop, pledging that the outcome of the programme would be put to adequate use towards minimising violence in the state before, during and after the election.