The General Manager of Pensioners’ FM Ibadan, Otunba Babatunde Tiamiyu has advised governments at all levels, security agencies and other stakeholders in the country not to see journalists as their enemies.
Tiamiyu while speaking, enjoined them not to see journalists as their enemies but provide an enabling environment for journalists to thrive and perform their duties without fear or favour.
He made these declarations while delivering the 2nd annual memorial lecture in honour of late comrade Tunde Oluwanike, a former Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Ibadan Chapel.
Tiamiyu while speaking on the topic “Journalist: Working Today, Living Tomorrow” at the event held in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, declared that journalists are crucial pillar in the foundation of any democratic society.
He added that journalists are tasked with uncovering the truth, holding power to account, and providing the public with the information they need to make informed decisions.
Tiamiyu who decried the challenges facing journalists in the discharge of their constitutional roles, enjoined security agencies to respect the journalism profession.
He then urged governments and non-government agencies not see journalists as the enemy, but provide an enabling environment for journalism to thrive.
Tiamiyu while speaking further, urged journalists themselves to uphold the principles and ethics of the profession; public interest, impact and value should serve as the basis of any assignment.
“Journalists are often referred to as the fourth estate, a crucial pillar in the foundation of any democratic society. We are tasked with uncovering the truth, holding power to account, and providing the public with the information they need to make informed decisions. This role is not just a job; it is a calling. It requires courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness, accuracy, and transparency.
“A journalist is also a human being like the president of any nation. Therefore, Security agencies should respect the journalism profession. Stop police brutality! Stop the harassment of journalists.
“Journalists should be free to carry out their duties without any fear of assault or intimidation. Media owners should treat journalists like the human being they are, and ensure holistic welfare package for them,
“Government and non-government agencies should not see journalists as the enemy, but provide an enabling environment for journalism to thrive and
“Journalists themselves should uphold the principles and ethics of the profession; public interest, impact and value should serve as the basis of any assignment”.
