By Umar Sa’id Moh’d, Bauchi
Journalists in the country have been called upon to desist from promoting violence, or cheap publication that glorifies conflict or brutality.
Bauchi State Information Commissioner Comrade Usman Danturaki made the remark yesterday while declaring open Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria BON two day workshop on capacity building at NUJ Press Center.
He advised practicing Journalists in Nigeria to shy away from vulgar and cheap publications that tend to glorify conflict, brutality and violence.
He explained that the Nigerian Press must not wait for outsiders to dictate to it, as it has a responsibility to constantly engage in self-examination to ensure that it operates in tandem with national goals and in line with global ethical practices.
He then called on Journalists to help in building the Nation in general and Bauchi State in particular by practicing honest and responsible Journalism.
“I congratulate you for the wisdom and right thinking in planning such a timely training, which I am sure is meant to update media men on the current realities in order to prepare them for new and emerging challenges of the profession.
“I am also happy to note that you are aware first and foremost you have the duty and responsibility to educate and enlighten yourselves. Not only individuals, organizations and even nations, need to, once in a while take stock and ensure that they have not deviated from their course”, he said.
He commended the initiative of training to discuss various relevant aspects of the profession and promised that he will support the organizer’s to achieve the objectives of this noble training. While promising a free environment for the practice of Journalism..
“I am happy to note that in Bauchi, the NUJ has a standing committee that monitors the operation of its members to ensure that they abide by the ethics of the profession. This is a commendable initiative”, he added.
In his goodwill message, Chairman, Bauchi State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Umar Sa’idu appreciated BON Management for deciding to come down to Bauchi to have the important training.
According to him, “I am sure, this will ginger the Bauchi State Government to continue with the good work it had started of digitalizing the state owned Media houses to meet the global best practice.”
Umar Sa’idu added that, “BON was established mainly to serve as a meeting point for all Radio and TV stations, it also serves as an Advisory body to Federal and State Governments on broadcasting matters as well as to encourage and sustain greater co-operation and collaboration among the Broadcasting Organisations.”
