Ambassador Sarafa Isola, who recently concluded his tenure as the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, stressed the need for media self-regulation on Friday, advocating for independence from government control.
In Abeokuta, Ogun State, Ambassador Sarafa Isola addressed attendees on Friday, marking the first-year anniversary of the executive’s tenure and the commencement of projects by the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Ogun Council.
The first anniversary featured a lecture titled ‘Security and Media: A Partnership for National Development.’
As the chairman of the occasion, the former envoy highlighted that a media with self-regulation would carry out its responsibilities professionally, garnering the respect of society.
Isola expressed worry over the pollution of both traditional and social media, urging professionals within the industry to prioritize self-regulation as a vital strategy for salvaging the sector.
In his directive, he emphasized the crucial role of journalists, urging them to report accurately while keeping national security in mind.
Isola cautioned against the misuse of social media, emphasizing its intended purpose for networking and promoting positive narratives.
Isola said, ‘Yes, news can be reported, but the ambiance of the national security is important. Why? Because the world is now a global village.’
‘When we were young, we used to see people like (Olusegun) Osoba, (Felix) Adenaike, and Peter Ajayi, we used to call them three musketeers and the profession was well respected.’
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‘I don’t believe in the government regulation of the media, but I believe in self-regulation, just for you to earn your respect and maintain a reputation. Journalists are well respected across the world.’
‘And since this is the cradle (referring to Ogun NUJ) of journalism in Nigeria, you have a responsibility to do that.’
The former Minister of Mines and Steel Development applauded both local and international media for contributing towards his successful administration in the United Kingdom.
Delivering the lecture virtually, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, noted that the challenges and opportunities presented by the security and media partnership are ‘dynamic and ever-evolving.’
He also noted that responsible journalism ‘serves not only to inform but also to hold security agencies accountable, ensuring that the public remains aware of the measures being taken to ensure their safety.’
Adejobi added: ‘As Nigeria continues its journey toward national development, the collaboration between security forces and the media stands as a cornerstone.’
‘The path ahead is challenging, but with determination and a united effort, Nigeria will navigate these challenges and secure a safer and more prosperous future for its citizens and the global community.’
Addressing the gathering, ‘Wale Olanrewaju, NUJ State Chairman, pointed out in his welcome speech that the anniversary served as a testament to the unity and solidarity achieved in the past year, ending a period of four years marked by internal conflicts and division among union members.
He conveyed his administration’s dedication to advancing on the already attained accomplishments and cultivating deeper collaborations, with a focus on uncovering the boundless potentials available for journalists in the state.