Foreign

Global Media Demands End to Gaza Journalists Killings

By Web News 173

Nearly 200 media organisations from about 50 countries are set to stage a coordinated global protest on Monday, demanding an immediate halt to the killing of journalists in Gaza and unrestricted access for international press into the enclave.

According to the organisers, Reporters without Borders, Avaaz, and the International Federation of Journalists, the protest will see newspapers publish blacked-out front pages, radio and television stations interrupt programming. At the same time, online platforms will disrupt their homepages as a mark of solidarity.

The demonstration comes amid growing concern over the rising death toll of journalists since the outbreak of the Israel–Hamas war in October last year.

Reports indicate that more than 150 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza, making it the deadliest conflict for the press in recent history.

Media rights groups accused Israel of deliberately targeting journalists and restricting coverage of the war, allegations Israel denies, insisting it does not intentionally attack members of the press.

Organisers say the protest was aimed at pressing world leaders and the United Nations, UN, to take urgent steps to protect journalists and ensure media access to conflict zones, stressing that the free flow of information is critical to global accountability.

CNN/Adetutu Adetule/Taiwo Akinola

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Telecommunication

CPJ Decries Conviction of Kwara Journalists

By Web News 472

The Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned the conviction of two Kwara journalists, Gidado Yushau and Alfred Olufemi on conspiracy and defamation charges.

A Magistrate Court sitting in Kwara State had convicted the duo over a false publication about an Agro-allied company based in the state.

The publication, “Inside a Kwara Factory where Indian Hemp is Legalised” was published in the News Digest publication in the 2018 edition.

The convicted journalists who worked for News Digest, an online publication, were found guilty of criminal conspiracy and defamation by the court on February 7, 2023

CPJ, an independent, nonprofit organisation that promotes press freedom worldwide described the conviction as “a chilling message to the Nigerian press” on Friday.

It also highlighted the urgent need for authorities to reform the country’s laws and ensure journalism is not criminalised.

According to the CPJ’s Africa program coordinator, Angela Quintal, the duo should have never been charged, let alone convicted.

“Nigerian journalists Gidado Yushau and Alfred Olufemi should never have been charged, let alone convicted, for publishing an investigative report about a factory.

“The telecom surveillance used to bring the journalists into custody, followed by a more than three-year-long trial, demonstrates the lengths Nigerian authorities will go to arrest and prosecute the press,” she said.

Before charges were filed, CPJ disclosed that police leveraged Yushau and Alfred’s access to call data and briefly detained a News Digest web developer and at least two other journalists in their efforts to locate Yushau and Olufemi.

CPJ added that, “The telecom surveillance, along with two similar cases in 2017 and 2018, prompted an ongoing lawsuit against the Nigerian Communications Commission over regulations granting warrantless access to telecom subscribers’ information.”

Earlier, while delivering judgement on the matter after about five years of legal battle, the magistrate, Mr A.S Muhammad said, “I have carefully considered the evidence of PW1 (Shakirat Yusuf) on the character of the convicts as well as considered the Allocutus made by learned counsel to the convicts and I have equally reflected on the provisions of sections 316 and 417 of the Kwara State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2018. In compliance with the provisions under S.417 (2) (d) of the Kwara State ACJL, 2018, I shall not pass a maximum sentence on the convicts.

“Premised on the forgoing for the offence of conspiracy, I sentence the 1st and 2nd defendants to a fine of N40,000 only each or 2 months imprisonment in default of payment.

“On defamation, the 1st and 2nd convicts are sentenced to a fine of N60,000.00 only each or 3 months imprisonment in default of payment.

“For clarity, each of the convicts is to pay a fine of N100,000.00 only for the offences of conspiracy and defamation respectively, having been convicted in default of payment, the sentence shall run concurrently.

“Rights of Appeal exist within 30 days”, he said.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Lifestyle

Wole Soyinka Centre Sharpens Acumen of Women Journalists

By Web News 653

By Olufisoye Adenitan

The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism has trained twelve female Journalists on leadership skills in the Newsroom and Newsroom Engagements to improve women’s adequate representation in the media space.

The training Programme was implemented under the Report Women Female Reporters Leadership Programme, Champion Building Edition for Female Reporters in Nigeria 

The facilitators drawn from the media and legal faculty were, the Executive Director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre WARDC, Dr Abiola Afolabi-Akiyode, the president of Lawyers Alert Nigeria, Rommy Mom, Director of News TVC News, Mrs Stella Din -Jacob and the Executive Director, Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, Mrs Motunrayo Alaka.

In her opening remarks at the training in Lagos, the Executive Director of WSCIJ, Mrs Motunrayo Alaka said the idea behind the project was to build the capacity of female Journalists that would be great leaders in the newsrooms to spur the changes and stereotypes in the industry

In her presentation on skills needed for investigative reporting and storytelling with a woman’s lens that compels action, the Director of TVC  News, Mrs Stella Din-Jacob emphasized that female journalists needed to be deliberate and ensure women sources in the news for adequate representation.

Also, the Executive Director, of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre WARDC, Dr Abiola Afolabi- Akiyode, said female reporters needed to break away from the stereotypes and Perceptions the society imposed on them but they should take charge and be intentional in disrupting the media spaces.

In his own submission, the president of Lawyers Alert in Nigeria, Rommy Mom emphasized the need for female journalists to be on their toes in reporting issues of women and Girls from the perceptive of the law.

Rommy Mom mentioned that laws are in place to check abuses against the rights of women but journalists must be deliberate to hold policymakers accountable to ensure the implementation of the laws 

Some of the female journalists, who spoke with Radio Nigeria, Fortunate Ozo Of NTA, Blessing Oladunjoye of BONEWS, Sarah Ayeku of TVC, Ijeoma Okereke Adagba of CJID and Victoria Bamas of ICIR, said they would be intentional in reporting issues of women and redirecting their reportage towards changing the narratives of the stereotypes against women .

They promised to interface with other women in the newsroom to ensure a good working relationships that would enhance productivity 

 Olufisoye Adenitan of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Positive FM Akure was part of the participants for the 2023 report Women FRLP Fellowship.

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Lifestyle

NPC Seeks Professional Reportage from Journalists

By Web News 556

Blessing Okahre

The National Population Commission, NPC wants Journalists to be professional in reporting this year’s National Population and Housing census to engender a more reliable and credible census.

Southwest Zonal Director, NPC, Mr Abdulkareem Bello stated this at a Day State-Level capacity building workshop for journalists on effective reportage of the 2023 census.

Mr Bello stressed the need for journalists to be conversant with the census processes, technical jargon and modalities of the coming census to enable them to educate the populace correctly.

One of the facilitators, Mr Akin Oyetunde in his presentation on the processes and methodology of the census, said the era of delaying census results was gone.

Mr Oyetunde reiterated that the digitization of this year’s census would not give room for figure falsification.

Another speaker, Mr Peter Ojelakin who took the participants back in history, said this would be the first digitized census in Africa and would be held simultaneously across the country between March 29 and April 2nd.

He added that a call centre number had been made available by the commission to report from the field in case of any issues- 07000236787 or 07000Census.

Some participants expressed satisfaction with the training, describing it as vital for accurate reportage.

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Politics

2023 Polls: Any Way Around For Essential Workers?

By Web News 1198

By Olaitan Oye-Adeitan

In about a month from now, eligible voters in Nigeria will head to the polls to elect candidates of their choice in the 2023 general elections but then, not all eligible voters find it easy to exercise their franchise due to the essential nature of their jobs.

Journalists, medical practitioners and security personnel fall into this category.

Mr Temidayo Adu, Mrs Modupe Olatunbosun and Mrs Lilian Ibomor are media professionals who should be on the field covering and reporting elections.

Mr Temidayo Adu

As a medical doctor, Fisayo Oluwatosin is expected to be in the hospital attending to patients even on election day.

Enforcing law and order at polling units and centres is critical to the overall success of the electoral process.

However, how possible will it be for security agents to vote on such a very important day?

Oyo State NSCDC Commandant, Mr Micheal Adaralewa

What then is the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC? 

Mrs Rosemary Alaba-Adeniyi is the Head of the Voter Education Department, INEC, Oyo State.

As it is, the Nigerian Electoral process is still a work in progress and it is hoped that policymakers will take into cognizance the current gap and do the needful.

Religion

Oyo MMPN Inaugurates New Executives

By Web News 487


… awards Members , Branch for Outstanding Performance

The Muslim Media Practitioners Of Nigeria, MMPN, ,Oyo State Chapter has inaugurated new executive members to steer the affairs of the association for the next two years .
The event which was held at the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA Central Mosque lbadan, marked the third Annual Conference of the Association, an initiative of the immediate past administration .
The Chief Missioner , MMPN Oyo State Chapter, Malam Akeem Ghazali while delivering a lecture entitled
“Leadership and Trust in Islam :A Siamese Twin”
emphasized the need for Muslims to embrace truth which according to him, is the key that can take the association to greater heights.

He admonished the new leadership of the Association to consult widely when necessary and work as a team.

The Chairman on the occasion, Alhaji Muftaudeen Jeariogbe commended the immediate past administration for the introduction of new innovations and membership drive, saying the acts will enable new executives to build on such achievements.

Alhaji Jeorigbe who appealed to the leadership of MMPN not to deviate from the path the association is known for lauded the immediate past executives for upholding the zoning and established system adopted by the previous administrations in determining the leaderships of the association.

The Immediate Past Chairman of the association, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi of Radio Nigeria, Ibadan, said that standard transition practice is inevitable for the progress of any organization.

Alhaji Fasasi, who attributed the success of his administration to team work, urged the new executives to sustain legacies of the association, particularly its campaign against anti – Islamic programmes run by some private radio stations in the state for the benefit of Islam .

In his acceptance speech,the New Chairman , MMPN , Oyo State Chapter , Alhaji Abdul Rofih Adebayo of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, BCOS commended the immediate past executives for various innovations and sought for Allah’s guidance in his quest to take the association to enviable heights.
The Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Abdur Rasheed Abdul Azeez, The Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Oyo State, Comrade Ademola Babalola and former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Alhaji Ladiran
admonished the new executives to uphold the dictate of almighty Allah in their dealings, and see the task as service to humanity.

The event which was graced by veterans and journalists from print, broadcast and new media outfits , witnessed presentation of awards to outstanding members as well as presentation of certificates to members of the immediate past executives.

Some of the award recipients include Mr Ibrahim Adegoke as the most outstanding member, Alhaja Hafsat Adedeji as the most punctual member and Alhaji Amsat Ladiran as the most supportive elder.

Others are the best branch won by the Ministry of Information and a gift was presented to a retired member of the Association from Radio Nigeria Branch, Alhaji Tohir Imam.

Rilwan Fasasi

Politics

Ekiti 2022: INEC Cautions Journalists against Fake News

By Web News 504

The Independent NationaI Electoral Commission says the 2022 Electoral Act will be its guiding principle in the conduct of June 18 governorship election in Ekiti State.

INEC NationaI Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye made this known in Ado Ekiti while declaring open a capacity building organized for journalists in the state.

Mr Okoye told men of the pen profession to familiarize themselves with the new Electoral Act so as to cover the election successfully.

He appealed to them to shun fake news and other acts capable of undermining the smooth and peaceful conduct of the poll.

On their parts, two aides to the INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi and Professor Bolade Eyinla reassured the people of Ekiti State that the electoral umpire would not disappoint them on June 18.

Earlier, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Dr Adeniran Tella who spoke through the Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Femi Akinbiyi said the workshop was put together to equip the journalists with necessary information ahead of the election, urging them to abide by with they learnt at the training.

In his remarks, the NUJ Chairmam in Ekiti State, Mr Rotimi Ojomoyela said a task force had been constituted to fish out any fake journalist in Ekiti State during the election.

Amos Ogunrinde

Politics

Oyetola Charges Journalists on Professionalism

By Web News 528

Osun State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola has appealed to journalists in the state to be guided by need for peace, tranquility and progress of the state.
Addressing Head of media organizations in the state during  breaking of fast (Iftar) at the government house in Osogbo, the Governor commended them for the support for his administration so far.
Mr Oyetola also lauded the media professionals for being consciencious in their news reportage and programmes, saying if they have heat up the polity, the peace being enjoyed would have been impossible.
He noted that  with incoming electioneering, the state was entering a very sensitive period where the media would be required to be more professional.
The Governor charged journalists not to hesitate to draw the attention of the government to areas where more efforts were required.
The event was attended by all heads of media organizations domiciled in Osun State, including the General Manager of Gold FM, Mr Adedamola Tinubu.

Adenitan Akinola

Sport

Ogun Commissioner Tasks Sports Journalists on Capacity Building

By Web News 759

Ogun state government has reaffirmed its determination to use sports as an instrument to promote, empower and take youths away from criminal acts in an effort to put them on the right track.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Odusile stated this while declaring open the 2021 Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN week in Abeokuta.

Alhaji Odusile who acknowledged the importance of sports towards building a virile society said the business of sports development should not be shouldered on government alone but a collective responsibility.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy who is also the chairman of the occasion stressed the need for the sportswriters to embark on more developmental programmes that would assist the state in raising strong sportsmen and women from the untapped abundant resources across the state.

Alhaji Odusile encouraged the leadership of the association in the state to give priority to the capacity building of members apart from organizing competitions.

In a lecture entitled ” Quality Registration Towards a Sustainable Sports Policy in Nigeria” the Speaker, Ogun state House of Assembly, Prince Olakunle Oluomo said implementation of the existing laws remained a challenge to achieve the desired results.

Prince Oluomo who was represented by Mr Kola Ishola reaffirmed the commitment of the 9th assembly to quality legislation that would enhance sports development in the state.

Earlier, The Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Ogun state Chapter, Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde had noted that appropriate legislation would enable the younger generation to participate in sports without fear.

Alhaji Akintunde gave the assurance that the association would not relent in its efforts to ensure development of sports in the state through regular interaction with stakeholders in the sector.

Olusegun Folarin

News

There is nothing like fake news – Raheem Adedoyin

By Web News 1588

Secretary, International Press Institute, Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin has urged journalists to always be ethically upright in their day to day reportage of events.

He made the call while fielding questions from journalists in Ilorin, Kwara state capital.

Alhaji Adedoyin, a former Kwara State Commissioner for Information while expressing worry over the clamours against the term fake news said there was never anything like fake news .

“There is no fake news, people don’t just pay attention to what we learnt in school.
News is news, there is no second hand news, no original news, no fake news.There is a threshold, once you cannot make that threshold, it does not qualify to be news so you can’t have fake news

Unfortunately, as Professionals, we have been helping them to promote that anomaly that something that is not good or false is fake news. Its not fake news because it is never news” Adedoyin said.

The former information Commissioner also expressed regrets on the degree of unprofessional conducts among media professionals .

“We have people who are damaging our reputation in the Industry.You read some stories and ask if the writer ever attended any school of journalism.This is an ethical issue and that is the reason some of us don’t want the government to regulate us” He said .

Speaking on the essence of quality reportage, the Veteran Journalist noted that it was high time the media industry looked inwards and self-regulate for better results.

He charged stakeholders in the industry to learn from other elegant associations to uplift their operations.

“Look at the Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Medical Association, if you misbehave,they will withdraw your license and have other sanctions for you.

What do you have in the media for somebody who has disgraced all of us? Nothing.

So,we must look inwards Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nigeria Union of Journalists and International Press Institute, all of us must work together and find a mechanism to regulate the practice of journalism in our country” Adedoyin maintained.

The IPI secretary while imploring broadcast outfits to develop their digital arm to meet up with the new trend of broadcasting, said IPI was resolute to ensure press freedom and stall press repression.

He said the Institute had two specific concerns which bothered on safety and ethics in Nigeria and Africa .

” A lot of countries are going through security problems and it becomes very difficult for journalists to do their jobs.

If you go there you risk your life, if you don’t go, there is no report.

So it is almost a lose-lose situation, both for the Press and the Society.

We are concerned about that and we are trying to provide some funding and advocacy along that line.

On ethics, absolutely no reporting is going on in Nigeria and parts of Africa anymore because we don’t have resources to even pursue stories.
It is the second-hand information you get these days.

Because of the economic downturn, most media houses are not able to service necessary infrastructure that enables good reporting to happen. So, we are wading in there too “Adedoyin submitted.

Adedayo Adelowo

News

PFM 20TH Anniversary : Cleric Advises Journalists Against Fake News

By Web News 967

Media practitioners have been advised to always verify information before reportage.

The founder of Ewa Islam Islamic foundation and Chief Imam Labaika central mosque, Dalute Transformer, Ibadan, Alhaji Ismail Oluwakemi-Akeukewe gave the advice during a special Jumat service as part of activities marking 20th anniversary of Premier FM, 93.5.

Alhaji Oluwakemi-Akeukewe maintained that investigative journalism was essential to avoid circulating fake news.

The cleric stressed that balanced and objective news items would unite Nigerians and avoid chaos in the society.

Alhaji Oluwakemi-Akeukewe prayed for protection and constant promotion of management and members of staff of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan National Station and celebration of impactful years as flagship in broadcasting.

In a remark, the General Manager, Premier FM, 93.5, Ibadan, Alhaji Bashir Omotoso expressed appreciation to Ewa Islam foundation and prayed for sustained partnership with the Islamic organization.

Members of FRCN staff at the Jumat service included the chairman, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, Oyo State, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi, the chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalist, FRCN, Ibadan, Alhaji Nafiu Busari, the chairman, Premier FM 20th anniversary planning committee, Mrs Doris Adeniyi.

Shefirudeen Nasirudeen

Culture Lifestyle

The Asiwaju Of Ijesaland, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi Canvases Freedom Of The Press

By Web News 1625

For true democracy to thrive in Nigeria journalists must be allowed to exercise their fundamental rights to freedom of press, speech and expression while performing their statutory duty of gathering and disseminating factual information.

The chairman of this year’s Press Week and Award dinner organized by the Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the  Asiwaju of  Ijesaland ,  chief Yinka Fasuyi dropped the hint while addressing members of the fourth realm of the estate in Osogbo.

“We have seen in time past how journalists were marked, trailed and afflicted while some are detained for legitimately discharging their professional duties. Some have been pressured to mislead the public while divulging information under death threats. 

Unfortunately, physical threats are only the most visible dangers, however. Journalists and journalism itself are facing other threats such as censorship, political and economic pressure, intimidation, job insecurity and attacks on the protection of journalists’ sources.  All of these are anti-democratic and cannot enhance a balanced and thoroughly informed society. My admonition is that NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS, NUJ, has the prerogative to protect the interests and lives of journalists through the legal framework available in the country”.

Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi who emphasized the important role of journalism in entrenching democratic values in the society noted that hoarding information from journalists would only spell doom for the nation, stressing that the so much desired transformation in all sector’s of the economy can only be achieved through genuine information.

He identified lack of information, disinformation and a contempt for the truth as the bane of healthy journalism.

“Many people in hundreds of thousands are being stuffed with garbage everywhere and this is disastrous for our collective survival”.

Asiwaju Fasuy tasked the men of the pen profession to religiously adhere to the ethical standards guiding the noble profession to avoid the sword of Damocles and gavel hammer of the law quoting Hillary Clinton, former American president.

” Whether it is law or journalism, finance or medicine, academia or running business communications to do their jobs, we count in the space of trust that confidentiality provides. When someone breaches that trust, we are all worse off for it”.

Earlier, the state chairman of the NUJ, comrade Wasiu Ajadosu had assured of members’ commitment to the sustenance of peace and unity of the state and the nation in general by upholding best practices.in character and service delivery.

The Royal Father of the day, the Owaloko of Iloko Ijesa, oba Benjamin Ogungbangbe prayed for the safety of Journalists whom he described as the bridge between the government and the governed, urging them to carry out their duties as the watchdog of the society in line with the laid down principles of journalism.

A highlight of the occasion was the conferment of various meritorious awards on eminent individuals for their outstanding performance in the society, among whom were Senator Ajibola Basir and Chief Sanya Omirin who bagged Philanthropist and Grassroots Politician of the year awards respectively.

Also honoured at the event, were the state commissioner of police, Olokode and some journalists in the state who distinguished themselves in the discharge of their duties.

The event was graced by traditional rulers including the Alatorin of Atorin, Oba Omololu Afilaka, Adagbasewa the first and captains of industries as well as politicians including Mr Taofik Badamosi representing Osogbo state constituency and Alhaji Jide Bakare Awuyewuye.

Isaac Haastrup

News

National Conference: Stakeholders Want Journalists To Operate More Efficiently

By Web News 665

The Seventh National Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, has opened in Umahia,  Abia State with a call on Journalists across the Country to set standards for the profession and operate strictly within the professional framework.

Speakers at the official opening of the delegates conference were unanimous in their call on Journalists as members of the fourth estate of the realm to effectively perform their roles as the society’s watchdog.

Presenting a paper on the theme, “The Role of the Media in times of National Renewal, The Managing Consultant, True Vision Newspapers, Gavinta and Associate, Abuja, Mr Emma Agu noted that Journalists must live above board in discharging their duties to enable them to hold the governments at all levels accountable to Nigerians.

Mr Agu added that, Journalists needed to be true to their professional ethics there must be entry qualification and create a code of conduct and Sanctions through designated regulatory bodies necessary for the operations of the Journalism.

The Veteran Journalist Called for a platform that would engage stakeholders constructively to ensure oneness, equity and balance in governance thereby reducing disharmony and agitations in the nation. 

The Chairman of the Occasion who is the Chief Executive Officer of Reagan Groups, Mr Ochiagba Reagan Ufomba in his remarks, urged Journalists to Always stand by truth and Justice even if it means standing alone.

A Veteran Journalist and the Chairman Isuikwuato Traditional Rulers Advisory Council, His Royal Highness, Eze Uwadiegwu Ogbonaya appealed to members of the pen profession to work together towards the Success of the Journalism Profession.

Ealiers the National President of NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo said the Union would take a critical look at the issues of quackery, fake media practitioners, abuse of journalists by politicians and poor remuneration.

Chief Iziguzo also noted that the Union would no longer accept the abuse of constitution and court processes by desperate members of the Union hence the need for immediate review of the NUJ constitution after the Election.

Modupeola Sobukonla

  
 

Lifestyle

Osun Commissioner Counsels Journalists On Regular Medical Check

By Web News 542

Osun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Rafiu Isamotu has Monday urged Journalists to always seek medical attention appropriately and promptly so as to guide against medical issues that could shorten their life span.
Doctor Isamotu stated this while giving a Health Talk as part activities marking the 2021 Press Week of the State Information Chapel of Osun Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He said Journalists are usually guilty of not paying adequate attention to their health because of the nature of their job which demands that they must be at the top of their game all the time.
In an address, Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode said the Press Week was focusing on health issues especially because of the present situation that requested Journalists to always be on the red alert.
The Commissioner who was represented at the occasion by the Coordinating Director in the Ministry, Mrs Bukola Aderibigbe urged Journalists across the country to always care for their health while trying to be the eyes and ears of the people, stressing that without good health no one can do anything meaningful for him or herself.
Also speaking, Chairman, Osun Council of NUJ, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu charged members of the council to always take their health issues seriously.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the State Information Chapel of the NUJ, Comrade Abdulganiyu Sofiu thanked members for their turnout, stressing that their health is as paramount to anything else.
The Press Week continues tommorow with a public lecture on the topic: “Journalistic Activities In The 21st Century And Health Challenges” to be delivered by the Chief Medical Director of Osun State University, Professor Peter Olaitan.
Isaac Haastrup

Health

Nigerian Red Cross Tasks Women Journalists on Regular Medical Check-up

By Web News 760

The Nigerian Red Cross has advised women Journalists to ensure regular medical check-up to prevent any challenges that may stand as impediments in the discharge of their duties.

The Acting Branch Secretary in Osun, Mr. Tolulope Ogunleye, gave the advice at training for women journalists in Osogbo.

Mr. Ogunleye noted that most journalists in workplaces never pay attention to issues concerning their health which had led to hundreds of them losing their lives.

The Red Cross official gave some immediate safety tips that could be administered on any casualty during an emergency situation.

Some of the safety tips included saving persons with a heart attack, those  who slump, drown and people with severe cuts on the body.

He urged journalists to always check their blood pressure, get adequate rest from work and also report any signs, symptoms or medical history to their doctors early.

Mrs Veronica Ogbole, a veteran journalist and trainer on Gender equity and safety, commended the Red Cross personnel for the safety tips, and urged the participants to transmit that they had learnt to colleagues in their respective media organisations.

Also speaking, another Trainer, Mrs. Rafat Salami, said all the skills, lectures and training acquired at the workshop would go a long way in preparing women journalists for the challenges ahead in their workplace.

Funmi Adekoya

 

Lifestyle

Traditional Ruler Calls for Continuous Training of Journalists for effectiveness

By Web News 779

Journalists in the country have been advised to exhibit professionalism in their duties to save the country from collapse and ills of bad journalism.

A traditional ruler, Oba Olufemi Ogunleye of Towulade in Akiale, Ewekoro local government area of Ogun state gave the advice while speaking on “Gbagede Oro”, a paramount FM enlightenment programme in Abeokuta.

Oba ogunleye who is also a renowned journalist noted that some media professionals don’t respect the code and ethics of the profession, hence the need to embrace responsible and effective journalism.

He called for peaceful coexistence among men of the pen profession and advised media organizations to train and retrain staff for optimal performance.

Olajumoke Idowu

Lifestyle

NUJ Condemns FFK For Insulting Journalist

By Web News 1075

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has condemned what it described as the gangster-like outburst by former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani Kayode against the Cross River State correspondent of the Daily Trust Newspaper, Eyo Charles

The journalists had asked a question about who was bankrolling Femi Fani-kayode on-going visit to some states of the Federation, an action that prompted verbal assault on the Journalist.

The NUJ in a statement signed by its national president, Chris Isiguzo said in his reaction, Fani Kayode assaulted the journalist and threatened him for daring to ask such a question.

The NUJ said by denigrating the journalist, Fani-Kayode has exposed himself the more as an intolerant person who will not want his activities closely scrutinised by the Media.

The journalist’s umbrella body added that it is instructive to remind the likes of Fani-Kayode that it is the Constitutional right of Journalists to monitor and keep a check on people and institutions in power.

It noted that by delving into politics and holding political office, Fani Kayode is very conversant with the watchdog role of the media.

The NUJ question further that for the former Aviation Minister to have embarked on assessment of projects in some states, even though it is yet to be told under what platform, he is doing so, it is proper for the media to hold him to account for his actions and decisions.

NUJ concluded that Fani Kayode’s reaction was totally unacceptable, dishonourable and reprehensible,while demanding for retraction of his unfortunate utterances which negate simple decorum and civility.