The correspondents chapel of Nigeria Union of journalist NUJ, Ebonyi State Council have kicked off her 2022 press week, with the theme, "Time To Deepen Media Involvement In Nigeria's Democracy".
In a media briefing to commence the press week in Abakaliki, Chairman, correspondents chapel, Comrade Samson Nwafor said, press week is an annual rituals in journalism profession and a period of stock taking on the activities of the journalist.
Comrade Nwafor statement reads in part,
"Gentlemen of the Press, we called you here to brief you on the activities lined up to mark our 2022 press week.
"As you are aware, Press week is an annual ritual in journalism profession. It is a period we take stock of our operations as Journalists to know how we have faired in the year under review. It affords us the opportunity to underscore how our operations have impacted positively or otherwise on the society by feeling the pulse of the people and brainstorm on how to best improve and move forward, for the betterment of the society. It's also a period we invite our friends from all walks of life to dine and wine with us, encourage and advise us where necessary.
"It is on the strength of this that the Correspondents' Chapel of NUJ, Ebonyi State, a body of Journalists of both Print and Electronic Media, whose head offices are outside Ebonyi State, religiously observes this important event annually.
"The theme of this year's press week is "Time To Deepen Media Involvement In Nigeria's Democracy."
The correspondence chapel Chairman enumerated some of the activities that have been lined up for the Press Week to include;
1. 16/5/22. PRESS BRIEFING..VENUE.. CORRESPONDENTS OFFICE. TIME 2NOON
2. 17/5/22....PHYSICAL FITNESS EXERCISE/ROAD WALK...TAKE OFF. OLD GOVT HOUSE. TIME 7AM
3. 18/5/2022...VISIT TO MOTHERLESS BABIES HOME ...TIME 9AM.. TAKEOFF.. OLD GOVT HOUSE.
4.. 18/5/22.. INSPECTION OF PROJECTS . TAKE OFF..OLD GOVT HOUSE...TIME 10AM
According to him, the grand finale will hold on Thursday, May 19, 2022, by 11a.m prompt at San Diego Hotels, No.98 Old Enugu road, Kpirikpiri, Abakaliki. The event will be chaired by the General Manager, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Unity FM, Abakaliki, Chief Okpani Nkama Jnr; while Erudite Professor Jonathan Aliede will deliver a keynote address titled: "The Place Of The Media In Nigeria's Present Democracy: Issues And Prospects."
The Chairman equally revealed that the Special Guest of Honour is the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Engr David Nweze Umahi, FNSE, FNTE. The Guest of Honour is the National President of NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo; while the Chief Host is Comrade Tony Nwizi.
On the appraisal of the operation of members/other issues, Comrade Nwafor said, "the Chapel Leadership after a critical review of the performances of members, applauded them for being good ambassadors and called on them to continue to adhere strictly to the ethics of Journalism profession in the discharge of their lawful duties, especially as the 2023 general election is around the corner. Correspondents should shun fake news and ensure they crosscheck facts always, bearing in mind the critical role we play in the society.
"The Chapel also seizes this opportunity to call on the law enforcement agents in the State to always see journalists as friends, and desist from harassing and/or assaulting them while discharging their lawful duties. Security agents should know that Journalists like other citizens of Nigeria deserve protection not molestation from them. We urge that internal mechanism for discipling in NUJ be explored whenever any journalist is found wanting.
He praised the cordial relationship between the media and Ebonyi state Government and Commended the Governor for creating enabling environment for the media thrive in the state.
"We wish to specifically acknowledge the robust cordial relationship that has been existing between Journalists and the Ebonyi State government led by Governor David Umahi, and therefore commend very highly, the Governor for creating the enabling environment for us to discharge our duties in the State. I want to assure the government and the good people of Ebonyi State, that Correspondents' Chapel of NUJ, Ebonyi State, under my leadership would continue to be partners in the growth and development of Ebonyi State, through objective reportage.
"Finally, as preparations for the 2023 General Election gather momentum, we call on the political actors in Ebonyi State to play by the rules, and shun actions that are capable of jeopardizing the relative peace existing in the state. We also call on the youth to shun thuggery and violence, as doing so, constitute grave consequences to the future of Nigeria. We further call on Ebonyians to ensure they participate fully in choosing their leaders, in the upcoming general elections, by making sure they register and obtain their voters card now that the registration is ongoing, across the State.
"As the theme of this year's press week aptly captures, the time has come to deepen Media involvement in Nigeria's Democracy, if we desire to make a meaningful progress, as a nation".
Post a Comment