As Panelists urge FG to strengthen cyber Act 2021, harp on training, retraining,sanctions for purveyors of fake news,hate speeches
Ogun State Governor,Prince Dapo Abiodun has reiterated his administration's support to journalists in the state so as to ensure attainment of professional obligations.
Abiodun stated this on Monday during the official opening of the Ogun NUJ Press Week held at the council's Secretariat, Iwe Iroyin, Abeokuta.
The Governor, represented by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon.kayode Akinmade, while congratulating the leadership of the Council, appreciated the members for their contributions to the philosophy of Iseya Mantra of the administration.
He also assured journalists of open door policy,stating that the administration would not relent in building bridges of communication with the media in order to ensure a society that all will be proud of.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo,who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi at the event, said he always feel concerned about Nigeria and to see that Nigeria change for good, added that it is the responsibility of Journalists to ensure that the country gets better.
During the discussion segment with the theme "NEXUS BETWEEN MODERN AND TRADITIONAL MEDIA IN PROMOTING DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE, the Panelists which comprised the General Manager, OGBC, Mrs. Toyin Sogbesan, Mr. Dele Ayodo, TRACE PRO,Commander Tunde Akinbiyi and moderated by Mr. Biodun Alabi of OGTV in their summations on the topic came up with the following positions
1. The Panelists viewed the role of Traditional and Online Media as very important instrument for democracy and good governance.
2. They called on the Federal Ministry of Information and Orientation and National Communication Commission (NCC) to strengthen Cyber Act 2021 to prevent non-media practitioners from engaging in news dissemination, to also prevent, discourage and strictly sanction promoters of this mis-information, dis-information and hate speech.
3. That traditional media practitioners such as, newspapers, radio, television stations as well as the cables should continue to train their reporters, editors and other stakeholders involved in news dissemination.
4. The Panelists observed that the Journalism Profession is under threat, hence the need for National University Commission (NUC), National Board For Technical Education (NBTE) and other Tertiary Institutions, engaging in the training of Journalism and Mass Communication, should strengthen the curriculum, as well as dwell more on the practical training in order to breed real Professional in the field of journalism.
5. The Panelists frowned at the current engagement of non-professional broadcasters in private, online radio and television. Consequently, the private, traditional, as well as online radio and television stations should engage professional broadcasters and improve on the use of native language broadcast, as well as abide by the code of the practice.
6. Journalists were advised to abide by the ethics of journalism in their news reportage, especially those engaging in online news platforms or modern media and learn the tools for evaluating news on the internet.
7. The Panelists viewed the role of Traditional and Online Media as very important instrument for democracy and good governance.
8. That the Security Agencies should be conversant with press law and cyber act of 2021 in order to know their limitations and allow the Journalists to do their work.
9. That the NUJ should periodically organise seminars and workshops for Journalists, Newsmakers and other stakeholders.
It was concluded that the above would impact positively on the profession and as well promote democracy and good governance.
Other contributors at the session were Ogun state Apc Publicity Secretary, Ambassador Tunde Oladunjoye , General Manager, OGTV- Mr. Tunde Kasim, CP Abiodun Alamutu and Elder Dada Olanipekun.
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