A Nigerian, who won CNN Multi-choice African Journalist of the Year Award, Ibanga Isine, has admonished journalists to prioritise uncovering the truth over sensationalism or personal gain in their reportage.
Isine, who stated this at the orientation ceremony for new entrants into Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Thursday in Uyo, said seeking truth is one of the best practices of Journalism.
He also advised them to verify information by cross checking facts from multiple sources before publishing.
The publisher of GUARDPOST Newspaper further enjoined them to maintain confidentiality by protecting the identity of sources, especially whistleblowers.
Under Ethical Decision-Making, he urged journalists to apply ethical principles consistently in all aspects of reporting.
Speaking on the topic Media Ethics, Professionalism, and Investigative Reporting, he stressed the need for them to uphold such Media Ethics as accuracy and fairness, independence, accountability, integrity and respect for privacy.
For better Investigative Reporting, the Akwa Ibom-born journalist called for in-depth research, evidence gathering, critical analysis, and public interest.
‘‘Adhering to media ethics, maintaining professionalism, and engaging in thorough investigative reporting are crucial for fostering trust, accountability, and transparency in journalism.
‘‘Journalists must be committed to these principles to uphold the integrity of the profession and serve the public effectively,’’ he advised journalists.
The NUJ Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk charged new entrants into the Union on the need to uphold the ethics of journalism profession as well as keeping to the tenets of the Union, as this will only guarantee their stay.
Etuk advised them to be of value to the Union, themselves and equally respect constituted authority from the Chapel level to the national body of the Union, restating that any action inimical and capable of tarnishing the image of the Union will not be tolerated and such member will be delisted without hesitation.
According to him, “The new orientation that you’re coming into NUJ is not a fanfare, to add to the already existing number or a space to do whatever you want, as such you must also uphold yourselves in the discipline along the line of the ethics of the journalism profession.
Today we have been able to build this Union to a level that is highly well respected in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria, so you have the responsibility of adding value to the profession and yourselves as well.
It’s not a matter being here for the benefit, if you’re not active by attending congresses and we don’t see your write ups, we will delist you without hesitation as such you must strive to make yourself relevant professionally,” the NUJ boss warned.
He also warned against fake and unsubstantiated news items capable of defamation and destroying others with the expectation that the Union will mediate when it backfires.
Instead, he encouraged them to embrace Development Journalism which is in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of (2011 as amended), which authorises the media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm to hold government accountable and equally set the agenda for good governance, as the media remains the conscience and mirror of the society.
Etuk who sued for unity of purpose and teamwork so as to build a better society, assured the new members that the Union will always enhance the welfare of all members.
He also promised that a copy of the NUJ Constitution which will serve as operational guidelines will be given to them in their official induction in the August 2024 Congress of the union.
Writing Skills, Editing and Evolving Trend in Journalism Practice was presented by Comrade Sunday Antai; Understanding NUJ as a Professional Body/Trade Union by Comrade Comfort Umana and Building a Career in Journalism by Dominic Akpan.
A total of 190 new members will be inducted into the union during the August 2024 Congress to the already existing 602 members.
With this addition, the NUJ in Akwa Ibom State is the largest in Zone F and the fourth largest in the country.
