World TV Day: FMC CMD Tasks Journalists On Transparent, Unbiased Reportage

By ABIODUN JIMOH, ABEOKUTA

An appeal has gone out to journalists in Nigeria to continuously uphold the tenets of the pen profession in the discharge of their primary assignment.

Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu made this appeal at the 2020 celebration of the World Television Day held in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

The 2020 World TV Day with the theme ‘Building A Post Covid-19 Nigeria’ was organised by the Consolidated Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council whereby dignitaries in health sector, pen profession and amongst others were in attendance.

Among them were Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, representative of the Ogun State Commissioner for Health; Eddy Aina, Chairman of the occasion, and many more.

Prof. Olomu noted that the role played by journalists in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic cannot be overemphasized following the various myths that surrounded the outbreak; hence the need for journalists to stand by the truth at all times.

On his part, Chairman, Consolidated Chapel, Kazeem Olowe assured that journalists in the state would continue to be objective and transparent in the discharge of their duties.

“It is with high sense of humility and responsibility that I welcome you all to this great occasion

“Today, we are here to mark the 2020 edition of World Television Day and appreciate those good things television has brought to us. As it is known, the basic objectives of the media are to inform educate and entertain people.

“2020 remains a year to remember, starting with prolong battle with Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown to the EndSARS protest, not leaving the other ones like ASUU strike, fuel and electricity tariff increase in Nigeria; Donald Trump and the American election to mention but a few.

“The year is loaded with many events that affects human wellbeing and following up on all these and getting clearer and real pictures of the events was made possible through the Television.

“As a group of practising broadcast journalists the responsibility of celebrating the World Television day falls on us and we have decided to take up the responsibility by not only celebrating, but to take advantage of today to look at the aftermath of the pandemic ‘Building a post COVID-19 Nigeria’ with a focus on the country’s health sector -challenges and opportunities.

“Let me assure you that, we shall continue to be peoples advocate and promoter of truth, fairness, justice and equity. We shall continue to write credible reports, serve as watchdogs in the society and remain committed to the promotion of professional standard.

“Accuracy, objectivity, sincerity and transparency will continue to be our watch words,” he said.

Similarly, from the discussants present, they proffered ways Nigeria can follow in the light of the post Covid-19 era, ranging from agriculture, adequate funding of the health sector, amongst others.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving heroes of the Covid-19 pandemic.