A lecturer at the Ahamdu Bello University, Zaria, Dr Isa Saidu has enjoined journalist to always adhere strictly to the ethics of the profession.
He further appealed to them to take precautionary measures when striking a balance between the profession and survival.
Dr Saidu made the appeal during a workshops on “Objective media towards enhanced National Security”, put together by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zaria unit in collaboration with the Federal College of Education (FCE), Zaria.
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He observed that Nigeria has witnessed different conflicts since its independence, stressing that with the advent of the democratic dispensation, there were political violence, insurgency, terrorism and banditry, amongst others.
Speaking on a paper titled, “Insecurity and Journalism in Nigeria: Addressing the dilemma of roving journalists”, Saidu explained that journalists are much interested in crises as they strive to respond to the calling of their profession.
The University don noted that the noble profession of journalism is sometimes a risky adventure, pointing out that the dangers journalists face are not limited to conflict zones.
He stressed, “Covering politics, religion and other social activities have their associated risks.”
He further explained that crisis makes it mandatory for journalists to always remain professional in the discharge of their duties, saying that adhering to the ethics of journalism has the capacity to reduce the risks that journalists may face.
Chairman of the occasion, Abdurrahman Nuhu Bayero, Dan Iyan Zazzau, advocated for a better pay package for journalists across the country.
He also called for an end of “Your ID Card is Your meal ticket” policy by some private media houses in the country.
Also speaking at the occasion, Dr. Suleiman Balarabe, Acting Provost, Federal College of Education Zaria re-echoed the need for journalists to cross-check, and recheck the information they have before going to press.
He said journalists must also learn to be accurate, balanced and fair in their reportage to justify the trust reposed on them by their teaming audience.
