From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Media practitioners have been charged to adhere strictly to the ethics of the profession in the discharge of their duties.
The lead missioner, Nasrul- Lahi- il Fathi Society of Nigeria l(NASFAT) Ekiti State, Alhaji Abdulfattah Abdulazeez, gave the charge at the Ramadan lecture organized by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria(MMPN), Ekiti State Council, where he specifically cautioned practitioners against bad intention, pride and propaganda.
Alhaji Abdulazeez who was the guest lecturer at the event gave the submission while delivering lecture on the topic: “Efficacy of Words and Pen towards Societal Growth/ Menace.”
The lecturer who highlighted the negative impacts and consequences of bad reportage on any practitioner and society urged on truthfulness, sincerity and balancing in news reportage.
“Don’t use the profession to denigrate human beings.
“God directs all to be functional in whatever profession you are doing including media practitioners. This is a challenge to everyone.
“God is watching whatever we are doing as media practitioners and we would be judged accordingly.
“Because of the nature of the profession, people including government respect/ fear media practitioners , so in view of this, you must abide by the rules and the ethics of the profession and guide against bad intention, pride, damaging of reputations propaganda .”
Earlier, in his welcome address, the state Chairman of the MMPN, Alhaji Yakub Popoola of Daily independent Newspapers disclosed that the Association was established in Nigeria in 1997.
“ The president of the MMPN is Alhaji Abdul Rahman Balogun, the Special Adviser on Media to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nigeria in Diaspora Commission(NIDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri.
“MMPN started in Ekiti over six years ago, the association comprises media practitioners in print, electronics, New media, On Air Personalities and others in the media sector”.
The President of the Supreme Council For Islamic Affairs,Ekiti State, Alhaji (Dr) Hammed Afolabi Bakare, who commended MMPN for the lectures charged them on adherence of standards and ethics of the profession.
Dr Bakare equally enjoined Muslims to use the occasion of the Ramadan fast to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and quick recovery of the nation’s ailing economy.
” We must always remember our President in prayers during this holy month. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is trying his possible best to fix the economy, but he cannot do it alone. We must support and encourage him to confront the various challenges facing this country. Rather than cursing him or hurling attacks on his personalities, what we need to do as good citizens is to pray for him. We really need God’s intervention in Nigeria.”
In his goodwill message, the Chief Imam Ansarul- Deen Central Mosque, Odotu Ado-Ekiti, AbdulMutolib Abdullah, urged Muslim media practitioners to always distinguish themselves wherever they find themselves.
The cleric urged them to always stand for the truth and practice responsible journalism, stressing that whatever information or content they work on must be credible.
” I want to urge you to distinguish yourselves as honest and trustworthy Muslims. Let the public know that Muslim journalists will not involve or promote false news, propaganda or deliberate character assassinations for whatever reason.”
The event had in attendance Islamic scholars, traditional rulers and Muslim women including, Government functionaries, State Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists(NAWOJ) and the Head of Programs, Radio Nigeria,Progress FM, Ado-Ekiti, Mrs Fatima Bello.