Recognition of Excellence in Journalism
Recently, I had the honor of receiving two prestigious honorary awards from my peers in the media industry. The first of these awards was presented in Lagos on Thursday, followed by a second in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday. The Lagos event was organized by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and led by its president, Chris Isiguzo.
Acknowledging Influential Figures in Media
Approximately 20 individuals were recognized with what was aptly termed the Media Icon Award. Among the esteemed awardees were notable figures such as Senator Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State, a former minister, and Mr. Henry Odukomaiya, a respected creative manager within the newspaper sector. Also honored was Professor Ralph Akinferi, a distinguished academic in journalism.
Celebrating a Historic Gesture
This marked the first time since NUJ’s establishment on March 15, 1955, that contributions to the advancement of journalism were publicly acknowledged in this manner. Such recognition comes at a pivotal time when the media landscape is undergoing profound transformations both professionally and technologically.
A Moment for Industry Reflection
The ceremony was not only celebratory; it served as an opportunity for healing old wounds and rekindling faith in professional integrity. I recall participating in the 2002 presidential elections of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), where I competed against two prominent media entrepreneurs, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola and Chief Sonny Odogwu, rather than other journalists.
On the Politics of Solidarity
It was a pleasure to reconnect with the leaders of the NUJ and the Nigerian Guild of Editors, with whom I have collaborated on numerous media issues. However, I was taken aback to learn that they were openly campaigning against me, ostensibly to promote a candidate from their own ethnic group. Nonetheless, I emerged victorious in the election, demonstrating resilience against their tactics.
Addressing Internal Challenges
A few years back, I chaired a committee for the Editors Guild of Nigeria tasked with conducting electoral processes. This role involved significant effort to ensure free, fair, and credible elections. Yet, we faced challenges, particularly regarding the treatment of veteran journalists who had been unfairly demoted to associate members, a category that had only recently been introduced.
Fostering Unity in the Guild
In response, the guild established a constitutional review committee, which I also chaired. Our work led to the elimination of the associate member category, promoting a unified and inclusive environment. This change has empowered both young and seasoned editors to collaborate harmoniously, reminiscent of practices found within other professions like law.
Acknowledging Contemporary Journalistic Challenges
As we recognize the ongoing contributions of veteran journalists, it is essential to also address the pressing issues faced by today’s media professionals. The rise of misinformation and the prevalence of so-called “citizen journalists” complicate the landscape. While technology facilitates reporting, it simultaneously heightens the risks of spreading falsehoods and manipulating information.
The Path Forward for Journalists
Fact-checking remains a crucial responsibility for journalists. The integrity of our profession hinges on the accuracy of our reporting. Readers must trust the information they consume; otherwise, the very essence of news journalism diminishes. This is not merely a local challenge but a global issue affecting newsrooms everywhere, signaling a need for renewed commitment to authenticity in our reporting.
