University Don charges Journalists to step up & save Nigeria democracy
Jethro Yerga, Jalingo
A university Don, Professor Chiakaan Gbaden Jacob of Taraba State University Jalingo, has called on Nigeria Journalists, to step up their watch dog function and save Nigeria democracy from collapse
The professor was speaking on Monday at the inaugural ceremony of Taraba News/SUM TV Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Taraba State Council, in Jalingo, the state capital
Prof. Chiakaan who expressed dismay over the manner journalism profession was being handled by emerging Journalists, decried abuse of the profession, and urged Journalists to return to the drawing board
He pointed out that journalists no longer hold government functionaries accountable nor report government activities and policies as they are. Thus, the watch dog function of Journalists had continue to deteriorate, living the general Public to grope in darkness and politicians to relax on their responsibilities
The university Don stressed that men of the pen profession are not beggars and none should at any point, portray himself as one
He however, charged Journalists to always set agenda for the society and embrace truthful, balanced and investigative reportage at all times
“Our democracy can be effectively practice only if Journalists can step up their watch dog function and report issue using the core journalism principles of balance, objective and fair reportage”. He added
The Chairman, NUJ, Taraba State Council, Comrade Mathew Eliud Jen, who delivered oath of office on the pioneer officials of the new chapel, charged them to lead the chapel within the confines of the constitution of the union and ethical codes of Journalism.
Comrade Mathew Jen, congratulated the new officials, expressing joy that the birth of the new chapel, was a plus to the Taraba State Council of NUJ
In his remark, the newly inaugurated Chairman of the chapel, Mr Olayinka Motunrayo Gabriel who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Taraba News/SUM TV, recalled that the journey had not been easy, but appreciated all who contributed towards the realization the new chapel
He lauded his mentors including Professor Chiakaan J. Gbaden and his lecturers from the the Department of Mass Communication, TSU Jalingo, for being supportive towards the realization of his long time dream
In their separate goodwill messages, the Former Chairman, NUJ Taraba State Council and Director News and Current Affairs, TSBS Jalingo, Comrade Abdullahi Gambo, the SSA to Taraba State Governor, Hon Charima, the Chairman, Taraba State Correspondent Chapel, NUJ, Mr Gabriel Yough and Disebe Bala Donga all congratulated the pioneer officials of the new chapel and encouraged them to set a good pace for members of the baby chapel
Meanwhile, those Inaugurated are; Gabriel Olayinka as chairman, Livinus Jesse Ayih vice chairman, Iranyang Daniel as Secretary and Lilian Gbana Yakubu as the Treasurer respectively.
Others are Lazarus Meshach as Internal auditor, Ayuba Theresa as Financial Secretary and Bridget James as assistant Secretary.
