For three days, journalists from across the country gathered in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to brainstorm on the myriad of challenges facing Nigeria and proffer lasting solutions. It was the first National Media Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and critical segments of the society latched on to give their verdict.
By all standards, the largest convergence of journalists on the Gateway State, the event with the theme “The Media and National Unity” also exposed the host state and its government to media critique and considerable scrutiny, especially in the area of socio-economic growth and infrastructural development.
That the press played significant role in the political evolution of the country cannot be over-emphasised. From the nationalists struggle for independence to the Civil War era; military rule to eventual enthronement of democracy, the Nigerian journalists have been at the fore of championing noble cause of unity and cohesion.
Despite cultural diversity and ethnic differences that sometimes threaten peaceful co-existence, the Nigerian media have always risen above primordial sentiment and kept faith with its watchdog responsibility.
But it appears the press have subtly derailed and now joined the fray of national disintegration. Although media owners and professionals may not readily admit such failing, stakeholders and consumers of media practice have cogent reasons to believe journalists have taken sides lately by amplifying the discordant voices of dissent and division over and above the promoters of national integration and cohesion in the country.
Taking into cognizance several factors, the summit opened up the journalists’ fold and allowed various assessors to freely touch on those things crucial to Nigeria’s unity vis-à-vis the role expected of members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm. The event was held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex, Abeokuta.
The first day, August 16, shortly before the meeting formally opened, Governor Ibikunle Amosun received the NUJ National Executive led by its President, Comrade Waheed Odusile, at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta.
Amosun was visibly happy to be host of the maiden edition of the media summit. He said the theme was “key and apt.” The governor noted that the journalists were at home since, historically, journalism had roots in Abeokuta with the advent of Iwe Irohin newspaper. He also recalled that two eminent journalists–late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo and Chief Olusegun Osoba– had once served as governors in the state.
“Indeed, our greatness is in our diversity. The earlier we all come to the conclusion, the better. Yes, there may be differences. We should dwell more on those things that bind us together as against things that divide us. We are better as a united, indivisible nation,” he said.
Describing journalism as “a very important profession,” Amosun challenged journalists to channel their energies and resources towards promoting the cause of unity and fighting corrupt practices in the country. He also said journalists should always be on their guard against forces that seek to take advantage of their profession for selfish ends.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo delivered keynote address at the opening ceremony. He was represented by former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Peter Okebukola. He urged journalists to place emphasis on investigative journalism and always set good, altruistic agenda for the nation.
“One of the greatest countries of the world is the United States of America. It is also one of the most diverse in ethnicity, race and religion. Its greatness is rooted in its diversity which is being utilised to advantage and actively promoted by the American press. I believe we can learn a lot from them in this regard,” Obasanjo added.
Apart from Amosun, Governors Akinwunmi Ambode and Abdulfatah Ahmed of Lagos and Kwara states respectively also delivered speeches. Ambode was represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, while Kwara State Commissioner for Information, Mahmud Ajeigbe, stood in for Ahmed.
While expressing concern that the nation’s unity was under threat, Odusile said in his address that the media cannot afford to keep quiet and watch as agents of destruction attempt daily to tear the country apart.
“We are bothered because we have a stake in this country as patriots, and considering the role the Nigerian press played in securing independence from our colonial masters, championed the cause of unity when we were threatened by civil war and enthroning the democracy that all are now enjoying, keeping quiet would amount to a disservice to the labour of our heroes past,” he said.
The NUJ President, however, drew attention to the challenges and constraints facing Nigerian journalists, noting that the earlier such problems were addressed, the better for the country.
“The media industry in Nigeria is in crisis,” Odusile said. “As I speak, many media houses are on their knees and struggling to continue as business concerns. The operating environment is so hostile.
“Just as the media houses are struggling, the fortune of journalists is not improving either. Many media owners are defaulting in the payment of salaries to their workers with some in arrears of one year and above.
“A journalist not paid by his employer for months is hungry and vulnerable to corruption and therefore, is a danger to the society. He could call black ‘white,’ depending on what is on offer. Make no mistake about it, this is unethical and the NUJ as a responsible professional body frowns at it, but our jobs are being made difficult by these debtor employers.”
The second day August 17 was dedicated to summit presentations bordering on germane issues. The topics were “The Media and National Security;” “Financing the Economy for National Unity;” “Social Media and National Cohesion” and “Building a Strong Union.”
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, who was represented by Col. John Agim; former Director-General State Security Service (SSS), Col. Kayode Are (retd); former Minister of Information, Prince Tony Momoh; as well as former NUJ Presidents, Mohammed Sani Zorro and George Izobo, were among the speakers.
On the last day of the summit, a project tour of Ogun State was undertaken by the contingent of media professionals. They had a feel of the performance of the Amosun administration. The participants were conveyed round the three senatorial districts to physically experience some of the developmental projects executed by the governor.
The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko, led the team that toured projects in Ogun West Senatorial District. Places visited included the Ilo Awela Road, Iganmode Road, Oju Ore Roundabout, proposed flyover at Sango, Ahmadiyya Road and the newly refurbished Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government secretariat.
