By Abubakar Yunusa
Renowned journalist, Dr. Reuben Abati, has said truth telling remains a dangerous enterprise from time immemorial.
He spoke while delivering his lecture on the occasion marking the three years anniversary of the NaijaTimes News and launch of the book, ‘For A Better Society’, yesterday in Abuja.
Former spokesperson to president Goodluck Jonathan recalled that the code of ethics of the Nigeria Press Organisation endorsed truth as a cornerstone of journalism, accuracy and fairness in defence of public interest.
Reflecting on the ongoing war in the Middle East, the Arise News co-anchor lamented that journalists in line of duty are being harassed, some wounded by rockets and bombs fired by warring factors, adding that more than 10 practitioners had died.
Abati notedd: “Once upon a time in Nigeria, people gathered around the newsstands to read newspapers, they are proverbially referred to as the free readers associates. It is no longer a frequent spot to gather at those stands. Fewer people these days buy newspapers, and it is also a fact that almost everyone has become a journalist. The rise of many social platforms like YouTube, WhatsApp, Tik Tok, Telegram and Instagram means that with any smartphone, you can post news.
“While in reality there is no concept of absolute stance, social structures build as they are and sustained by system of checks and balances, the attempt to stretch regulations beyond the traditional jurisdiction of law will automatically raise questions on censorship, especially as a media and its practitioners are the interception between society, human rights and democracy.”
In his goodwill message,Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka said the media faces an unparalleled challenge in reflecting the true essence of our society, transcending the boundaries of traditional roles and embracing a broader responsibility.
According to him ,this collective task extends beyond journalists, delving into the heart of human stories and societal values. As we venture into the realm of social media and navigate the complexities of a democracy, our media’s role becomes increasingly critical.
“Journalism must chart new territories and confront society with its evolving identity across all sectors. Failure to rise to this challenge will leave society mired in an inescapable quagmire.
“Technology plays a pivotal role in this transformation, democratizing information and empowering people. However, the pressing question is whether we are abusing this power. The answer demands that technology be purified.”
Also,the chairman of the anniversary committee, Amb. Ogbole Amedu-Ode, recalled that NaijaTimes was born during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chief Executive Officer of Channels Media Group, John Momoh, represented by Chamberlain Usoh, said he always cherished being around colleagues, professionals and eminent intellectuals.
He informed that the book particularly categorised editorials and writings into various eras, including politics, economy, health and security.
Publisher and Editor-in Chief of NaijaTimes, Ehi Braimah, restated that “Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we are richly blessed with potential. So, we shouldn’t give up.”
In his goodwill message, titled ‘Journalism must probe not only the state, but the society itself’, Prof. Wole Soyinka, submitted until the social media came on board, he used to boast that Nigeria holds at least one of the strongest, most courageous media enterprises in the whole of the African continent.
“We have seen the quality of its products, services during dire times of dictatorships, even now, when we are supposed to be running a democracy, we have seen how journalism rises to its task of keeping the state on its toes,” he added.