Journalism Should Be Practised With High Sense of Social Responsibility -Nasir Adhama

On May 3rd, being the occasion of World Press Freedom Day year 2016, the Special Assistant to President on Youth and Students’ Affairs, Nasir Adhama has congratulated the Nigerian Journalists and enjoined them to give strict observance to social responsibility ethic of their profession.

Nadir Adhama, Nigerian Presidential Aide for Youth and Students Affairs, Abuja.

In a press statement received by Nigeria Union of Journalists Europe on Tuesday  from the Technical Assistant on Media, Office of Special Assistant to President on Youth and Students’ Affairs, Ibrahim Dan-Halilu, he said it is a day journalists around the world celebrate landmark achievements and reflect soberly on the challenges that they face in the course of carrying out their legitimate duties of informing, educating and entertaining the public.

“I’m delighted to note that the theme for this year’s celebration, “Access to Information and Fundamental Freedoms” reinforces the spirit of Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act passed into law in May 2011. The passing of the bill has marked another watershed in Nigeria’s resolve to make democracy a government of choice. I commend Nigerian journalists for their steadfastness in the face of numerous challenges that the practitioners face which are both external and internal” Adhama said.

“Our journalists have demonstrated uncommon commitment to promoting freedom of expression through their coverage of political activities such as campaign rallies, party primaries, general elections and legislative sessions.

“While commending you for your support to this administration in the fight against corruption and Boko Haram insurgence, I’m appealing to you to exercise restraint in the coverage of issues that have serious security implications for our country. Journalism, like any other calling, should be practiced with high sense of social responsibility.

Adhama qouted the Former American President, Thomas Jefferson said, “If I had to choose between “a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” and said Journalists must count themselves among the fortunate few in Africa, as Nigeria has one of the freest press on the continent, and the Buhari administration will not waiver in its committed to sustaining this unbounded legacy.

By Lashley Oladigbolu,  London