A professor of law, Adeolu Akande has described journalism profession as the live wire of any government in power.
Akande made this declaration while speaking as a guest lecturer at the launch of a book titled “REPORTER” authored by a veteran journalist and former Commissioner for Works in Oyo State, Alhaji Bolaji Kareem.
The event was held at the Dapo Aderogba hall, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Iyaganku Ibadan on Thursday.
It was attended by a former Governor of Ogun State. Aremo Olusegun Osoba who was represented by Chief Banji Ojo, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju and a member of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Dele Adeola.
Others at the event are the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja who was represented by Mr. Adeola Oloko, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli who was represented, a former Minister of Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu who was represented and a former commissioner for Works in the state, Alhaji Wasiu Dauda.
The list also include a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Iyiola Oladokun, Commissioner for information and Civic Orientation in the state, Dotun Oyelade, the Aseyin of Iseyin Oba Sefiu Oyebola and the NUJ Chairman in the state, Alhaji Ademola Babalola.
Akande while addressing the gathering stressed the significance of journalism in society.
He described journalism as the only profession that will be relevant at a times.
Akande who delivered the paper titled “Journalism, law and politics” argued that law and politics play vital roles in the welfare of the public.
He however said that Journalism is the bond that conjunct the other two professions together.
He stressed further that the journalism profession is the instrument which illuminates the public through information dissemination.
He added that journalism keeps the government in check and also ensures government accountability.
He maintained that law serves as a cogent force that regulates power.
Akande said, “The purpose of journalism is to keep the public informed about the activity going around them, this is why people say the only profession that will survive after the passage of the world is journalism.
“The key role of journalism is that it keeps the society informed and in the absence of journalism the public will be in the dark about what the government is doing, So we can say in essence that the live wire of government and politics is journalism…”
The author of the book, Alhaji Bolaji Kareem while speaking said that he drew his inspiration via a proper meditation on how to influence the profession.
He said that the book highlights the nitty gritty of the profession ranging from how to relate with both the hostile and friendly public, the rules that guide the operation, the extent as well as limitations of journalism and how to handle pressure when arises, thereby reminiscing about the past and expressing his concern about the future of journalism and the media practitioners.
“This book covers the nitty gritty of journalism, how do you deal with society? Both hostile and friendly, A lot of laws have been violated as far as journalism is concerned, if you look closely into the book we launched here today, defamation, sedation, official secret acts, what does the Broadcasting Commission say? What are the limitations of a journalist? How do you play when you are charged to court for any of the offences?” All these are contained in the book”.
