Journalists urged to set agenda on illegal circulation of arms in Nigeria
By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna
Nigerian Journalists have been urged to set agenda on illegal circulation of arms across the country as panacea to tamed the insecurity challenges ravaging the country.
Kaduna state Governor, Senator Uba Sani made the appeal in Kaduna on Tuesday, during the 2024 Press Week, organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kaduna state Council, saying that his administration will not politicize insecurity in any form.
Acknowledging the media as critical stakeholders and worthy partners in the state, Sani said that his administration will focus on initiatives that benefit the people, acknowledging the media’s critical role as the watchdog of society.
Highlighting the need for the creation of state police to address the shortage of security personnel and cover ungoverned spaces within the region, the Governor called on the media to join the advocacy and to update laws addressing security challenges.
He noted that the state government has put up several efforts with various security agencies to protect lives and property of citizens, including providing over 150 patrol vehicles and 500 motorcycles to support security operations in the 23-LGAs of Kaduna state.
Speaking on the theme of event, “The Role Of Media In Holding Government Accountable: Emerging Challenges and Prospects, the Guest Speaker, Dean Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Kaduna state University, (KASU) Prof. Ayodele Joseph lamented that Journalists overtime has done little in the area of setting agenda to hold the government accountable to the people.
Ayodele added that the title, ‘fourth estate of the realm’, goes beyond rhetoric, stressing that the tittle can only be taken serious if the media can harness all its potentials and boldly make public office holders accountable to those who gave them mandate to serve as their representative.
He further noted that the media can unravel mysteries in the highest realm by engaging investigative journalism, exposing corruption and wrongdoings
through in-depth reporting. By doing this, Joseph said leaders will be duty bound to be straight forward to the people.
Earlier in her remarks, the Chairman, NUJ Kaduna state Council, Asma’u Yawo Halilu, disclosed that the importance of the event is to celebrate journalists and raise awareness even as she avered that the society placed high expectation on journalists considering the important roles they play in the society.
Recognizing Journalists as the voice of the voiceless and agenda setters for a better society, she reiterated the constitutional guarantee of the freedom of expression, while noting that journalists in Kaduna still struggle with access to information. Halilu appealed to the state government to create a more supportive environment for journalism and ensure the safety of journalists in Kaduna state, especially the issue of kidnapping and poor living conditions.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the event, the chairman, Correspondent chapel of the NUJ Kaduna state Council, Comrade AbdulGafar Alabelewe congratulated NUJ Kaduna Council, noting that the program is apt and should be encouraged to thrive.
He avered that the lecture was enriching and educating, meanwhile Alabelewe stressed that the pitfalls noted by the guest speaker and other discussants will be properly explore for better journalism amongst members of the Correspondent Chapel.
Highlights of the program was an award given to Sen. Sunday Marshall Katung, the lawmaker representing Kaduna South Senatorial District for effectively representing his people at the National Assembly. Among other awardees are the Editor, New Nigerian Newspaper, Mr. Jacob Dickson and Femi Oyelola of People’s Daily, who were meritorious for excellent in professional conduct.
