A veteran journalist cum politician, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu, has expressed concern over, what he described as, difficult and life-threatening roles played by journalists in entrenching stable democracy in Nigeria.
Ojudu stated that journalists deserved better treatment and motivation from the system.
He spoke at the 2025 Annual Lecture, Award Ceremony and Fund Raising for Digital Journalism Tools on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti.
The programme was organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ekiti State Council.
The politician, however, blamed journalists in Nigeria for their “woes”, by the error of always focusing too much on government activities and politics, while abandoning other areas of life.
“It is regrettable that journalists in the country are not getting commensurable appreciation, in return for risking their lives to make democracy work in the country,“ he said.
Ojudu, who spoke on the topic, “Role of Media in Changing the Narratives of Democracy Prospects in Nigeria – Ekiti Perspective”, said journalists must continually distinguish themselves as anchors of progress.
This, he said, was by working hard for the sake of promoting the rights of the people, rather than pursuing self-aggrandisement.
“If you must make a mark in journalism, do not aim to pursue money at all cost, and by all means.
“Journalism does not sentence you to pursuing money, or make you to be drenched in utter poverty.
“Look for other decent means of getting money without necessarily having to fall into hands of those looking for you.
“However, without the courage of the media, advent of stable democracy that many people are today enjoying, would have been a mirage.
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“So, I expect the larger public to show more of elements of appreciation to journalists,” he said.
Ojudu, however, warned journalists to refrain from dangerous reportage of events in the name of poor investigation and lack of background of materials.
“Journalists are to be very careful and avoid false, and orchestrated reports.
“Journalists must also shift from celebrating only politicians and money and, but celebrate every good person in the society.
“This include the best journalist of the year, best farmer of the year; best teacher of the year; best traditional ruler or doctor of the year, and so on,” he said.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Information, Mr Taiwo Olatunbosun, lauded media professionals for their objective reportage of events in the state.
Olatunbosun, however, appealed to journalists to engage more in the area of balancing their reportage.
Also speaking, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Olayinka Oyebode, commended correspondents in the state for the good work in the state and promised to continue to allow for a conducive working environment.
He also admonished the professionals to focus more on investigative journalism, by trying to cross-check facts before publishing.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr Raphael Ogbonaiye, said the event was used to showcase NUJ’s activities annually.
Ogbonaiye said the event was also used to give awards to distinguished Nigerians, who were deemed to have excelled in their chosen careers, and contributed meaningfully to the society.
In a goodwill message, the State NUJ Chairman, Mr Kayode Babatuyi, said Ekiti did not have a befitting press centre, appealing to all levels of government to support journalists.
Babatuyi said: “Support them in whatever way possible, especially through improved welfare package, to be able to deliver on their mandate of informing and educating the society.
“A society where journalists are not properly recognised, will always run into crisis.”
The royal father at the event, the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye, commended journalists for their key role and urged them to continue.
Other highlights of the event include the conferment of awards on notable individuals.
Source: NAN
