The Governor of the State of Osun, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, on Saturday, on Saturday charged media professionals to be true to their role as watchdogs of the society, adding that they must avoid fanning the embers of disunity in the country.
Oyetola, who made this call at the 2021 Press Week Celebration the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation’s Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, said in view of the increased tension in our nation as a result of insecurity challenges, economic upheavals and the heightened secessionist clamour, the media must play its social responsibility role as a true arbiter.
Oyetola, who was represented by the Commissioner for Informationand Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, said: “You must play your role responsibly as watchdogs of the society. You must avoid fanning the embers of disunity, as being advanced by the enemies of our country.
“As professionals whose duties are guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended), you owe it a duty to work for the unity of our country and ensure that our nascent democratic experience is deepened in the interest of our collective good.
“As an administration, we consider the media as important stakeholders, and we shall continue to work with you to deliver on the dividends of democracy to our teeming citizens”, Oyetola said.
Oyetola also charged media professionals on cutting-edge skills that are consistent with the realities of the new era, adding that this was the only way they could remain relevant.
He continued: “The media industry is again at the threshold of radical transformation. As such, media professionals who must thrive in the new era should be those who possess cutting-edge skills and have been appropriately positioned as dynamic and socially responsible professionals.
“The relevant journalists of this era must also be those who are at the vanguard of rapid advancement in technology while also possessing relevant multimedia skills consistent with the realities of the new age.
“The necessity for improved ethical consciousness has become more important than ever. This is because, in an era characterized by a deluge of information flow, only the ethical and skillful professionals will stand out for their unique offering.
“Therefore, I urge you to be the best that you can be”, Oyetola added.
