1 The former president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in ImoChief Fidel Onyeneke, advised state journalists to always respect the ethics of the profession.
2 Onyeneke, who retired from the News Agency of Nigeria, gave the charge during a workshop on investigative journalism at Owerri.
3 The event was organized by an Owerri-based media outlet called Ikenga Media and Culture Awareness Initiative (IMCAI).
4 It was organized in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation and the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism.
5 The theme was “Reporting in treacherous and insecure environments”.
6 Onyeneke spoke on the sub-theme: “Ethical issues: what kind of news is it?
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He urged journalists to be guided by the principles of accuracy, independence, fairness, impartiality and accountability.
8 He further urged journalists to avoid corruption and demand for gratuity so as not to be unduly influenced by news sources.
9 Onyeneke said, “Faced with the difficult economic situation, employers of journalists must pay them higher salaries with improved benefits.
ten “The media professional must also be aware of existing cultural and religious differences, with the aim of enhancing peace, unity and progress in society.
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Another veteran journalist and public affairs analyst, Mr. Charles Ogugbuajaadvised journalists not to be in a hurry to beat the deadline at the expense of the facts of the news.
12 Ogugbuaja said, “Do not distort facts, always cross-check your facts and sources of information to confirm their veracity.
13 “It’s the only way to present your story in a simple and engaging way that will be irresistible to your target audience.
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A former state police public relations officer, Mr. André Enweremalso spoke on the sub-theme “Safety First: Is the News Worth the Risk of News Reporting?”
15 What are the red flags?
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Enwerem urged journalists to be circumspect and cautious about their safety.
17 He said that in the face of current security challenges, journalists have been victims of kidnappings, arbitrary detentions and harassment.
18 “It underscores the need for you to be careful when doing investigative journalism,” he said.
He further advised journalists to always cooperate with security officers by properly identifying themselves, especially in crisis situations.
He urged them to “be in good physical shape, avoid being in the middle of the crowd and have an escape route in mind.
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NOPE reports that IMCAI was represented at the workshop by its Coordinator, Mr. Chidoh Onumahand editor, Mr. Uche Ugboajah.
VIN
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
