….As NGE hosts 3rd Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture
Nigerian journalists and other leaders in the media profession were on Wednesday charged to deepen conversations on nation building and training for young journalists in the profession.
This call was made at the 3rd Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), with the theme, ‘Journalism and the Challenge of Nation-Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society.’
“In a multi-ethnic society like ours, where language, religion, and geography too often define identity, the media must help create national consciousness — a consciousness that values justice, merit, and shared destiny,” Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, governor, Bauchi State, said in a keynote address.
Mohammed, who was represented by Aminu Gamawa, chief of staff to the Bauchi State governor, stated that journalism was not just about reporting events. According to him, journalism is about shaping the nation’s soul.
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He also stated that part of the media’s role in nation-building includes ensuring that Nigeria must not be a federation of ethnicities, but rather a nation of citizens.
“This requires cultivating national ethos: values that transcend our differences. Respect for life. Rule of law. Dignity of labour. Truth over tribe,” he stated.
Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesman, who also doubled as the representative of Mohammed Idris Malagi, minister of Information and National Orientation, in a goodwill message, said no country can survive without the press (free press).
He, however, charged media professionals to collectively address the issue of fake news as an industry, saying, “fake news travels a lot” in the country.
In the discussion of the keynote presentation by Bala Mohammed, some leaders of the profession including Femi Adesina, former special adviser media and publicity to Muhammadu Buhari, challenged media professionals to promote and live by the ethos of the profession, especially on the back of the celebrant’a dedication and selfless service, first as a journalist and later as the first executive governor of Lagos State.
Emeka Izeze, former managing director/editor-in-chief, The Guardian, called for objective reportage, while reiterating that government cannot function effectively without journalism.
He challenged the media to always play its role as the nation’s watchdog without compromise.
Izeze noted that the media was becoming too close to the institutions and public office holders whose feet were supposed to be held to fire, adding that such undue relationship may have resulted in lowering of standards.
Joseph Adeyeye, managing director/editor-in-chief, The Punch, said that media’s role in nation-building is not recognised enough. Hence, he advocated for a strong, independent and free media.
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Adeyeye also called for the training and retraining of leaders within the media industry.
Funke Egbemode, former president, NGE, also called for training within the larger media industry, saying that journalists must deepen in-house training.
Eze Anaba, 17th president of the NGE, earlier in his welcome address, said that the Guild would continue to celebrate Jakande and the things he stood for in the journalism profession.
According to him, the lecture is part of a broader national dialogue on how journalists can contribute meaningfully to building an inclusive and cohesive society.
“As journalists, you represent a unique and strategic position. We have to power to influence narratives, shape opinions, and promote national values,” Anaba said.
