I am delighted with your invitation to me as Guest of Honour at this auspicious 5th Triennial National Delegates Conference of your great Union at which you will be electing officials to pilot the affairs of the Union for the next two years.
2. The importance of the journalism profession in every polity is no longer a matter for conjecture. With its place firmly established as the fourth estate of the realm journalism remains today one of the most honourable and most respected professions globally. It is not merely an information and knowledge vendor but a quintessential agenda setter for groups, nations and societies.
3. I can say without any equivocation that Nigerian Journalists have proved themselves worthy of their calling and can compete with their peers globally considering their role in our nations history and development in all spheres. As you very well know, the Press was at the forefront of the struggle for independence. The credible nationalistic role played by Journalists in the struggle for independence remains indelible in the books and on our minds. In the recent years, Journalists constituted a formidable force in the effort to free Nigeria from military dictatorship. I need not remind us of the critical role journalism has played in shaping and deepening our democracy since the restoration of democratic governance in 1999.
4. In the course of performing their functions, Journalists worldwide have faced several challenges. Some have been jailed and others summarily executed by terrorists and other opponents of freedom. In 2014, 61 Journalists were killed around the world in the course of their work. This year alone, the International Federation of Journalist has reported that 60 Journalists have been killed. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports that since 1992, 19 Journalists have been killed in Nigeria. These include Enenche Akogwu of Channels, Zakariya Isa of the NTA, Sunday Gyand Bwede of the Light Bearer and Tunde Oladepo of Guardian newspapers. Some were killed by so called unknown persons for still unknown reasons.
5. One has observed with grave concern the growing despicable culture of non payment of staff salaries by several media organizations in the country. Besides the serious negative consequences that this poses to individuals, families and the society in general, it is important to remind us that the Constitution of our country expressly legislates against unpaid employment. Employers of labour in this sector must not therefore aggravate the existing encumbrances of the profession.
6. There is therefore the urgent need to address the challenges facing journalists in Nigeria. It is interesting to note that a disproportionate higher number of Journalists are killed in regions and countries of conflicts and areas that are largely governed by authoritarian regimes. To protect our journalists, we will need to work together to deepen democracy. Journalists in partnership with Government need to work together to ensure that the values of accountability, responsiveness, responsibility and transparency are enthroned in every facet of our national life.
7. In the 8th Assembly, as part of our Legislative agenda, we will work with you, as a group and as individuals, to put together the legislations that will enhance the value of journalism as a profession, improve the quality of life for the Journalist and protect the Journalist and his family. The Nigerian people in return expect the media, and Journalists to give them truthful, balanced and verifiable reportage.
8. It is pertinent to acknowledge that besides the afore stated challenges, the technological age has introduced further complications and stress on the journalism profession. Mr. President, members of the Pen Profession, Ladies and Gentlemen, advancement in technology has changed the media. Its impact is now worldwide and instantaneous. People no longer have to wait for specific hours when news are read out to them or newspapers delivered. The convergence of the media namely, the publishing of text and streaming of audio and video on one platform means that we need to be very careful and circumspect in discharging our responsibilities as Journalists. Our reports build or destroy. Journalists have in their hands “weapons” that are stronger, bigger and more effective than bombs.
9. The opportunities for correction have reduced and the use of handheld devices means that literally millions of people have instant access to what we write or broadcast. Unbalanced information, falsehood, or even incomplete information could therefore create havoc and confusion of unprecedented proportions. I charge the NUJ to rise to the challenge of ensuring that culture of impunity of libelous publication does nor overrun journalism practice in our country.
10. The current situation has been aggravated by the emergence of Citizen Journalism which bypasses the vetting procedures and processes of regular media houses. It has created a new cadre of publishers, writers and reporters, who write, edit by themselves and publish whatever they fancy.
11. There is also a concomitant legislative challenge, around the whole world, legislation is lagging behind technological advancement and this is of serious concern in the effort to regulate such practices now. The established media with procedures for reporting, editing and approval for publishing still remain our hope for accurate information. This is also a big challenge which, we in the 8th Assembly, hope to partner with you to work out acceptable processes, legislations and practice.
12. These challenges notwithstanding the Nigerian Journalists have continued to thrive on. This is how it should be because the practice of the profession has never been a tea party and I can only urge you on.
13. As you gather today at the 5th Triennial natural Delegates Conference, I trust you are aware that the attention of all Nigerians is on you; Nigerians expect that you will get it right – and the Union will be strengthened rather than weakened by the events that will take place here. I therefore charge that you do everything possible to go out of here more united than ever before.
14. Remember that a new paradigm has been established in our country’s electoral practice. Only recently we got it right with our National elections and disappointed doomsayers, who thought that the nation would dissolve in a blaze of conflicts and violence emanating from disagreements over 2015 elections. Though, there are still a few challenges. I am sure we all need to adjust to the fact that in every election there are winners and losers. A looser today may become a winner tomorrow. This is the spirit of Nigeria's 2015 electoral experience and you as critical agenda setters must resist the temptation to turn back the hand of the clock.
15. We look forward to working with the officials that you will elect from here.
16. Once again, on behalf of the entire Honourable members of the House of Representatives, I wish you peaceful and transparent election and we pray that the almighty God will guide you throughout today's deliberations.
17. Thank you all and God bless.
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