The Immediate past Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola, has advised media practitioners to regulate the noble profession rather for government to be in control of the regulations.
Penpushing reports that Sarafa made this clear on Friday while speaking as chairman at the first year in office of the executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ogun State Council held at Iwe-Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta.
The former High Commissioner, however, equally advised the government of Nigeria to steer clear of any form of media regulation, emphasisng that a self-regulated media would perform its role professionally and earn the respect of society.
Penpushing further reports that at the event with lecture titled “Security and Media: A Partnership for National Development’, in the same vein, charged journalists to report accurately with the mindset of protecting national security.
‘News can be reported, but the ambience of national security is important. Why? Because the world is now a global village. When we were young, we used to see people like Olusegun Osoba, Felix Adenaike, and Peter Ajayi. We used to call them three musketeers, and their profession was well respected’, he stated.
‘I don’t believe in the government’s regulation of the media, but I believe in self-regulation, just for you to earn your respect and maintain a reputation. Journalists are well respected across the world. And since this is the cradle (referring to Ogun state NUJ) of journalism in Nigeria, you have a responsibility to do that’.
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com
