Media scholar urges Nigerian media to collaborate in defense of democracy
An eminent Professor of Mass Communication, Ralph Akinfeleye has urged the Nigerian media to promote collaboration among themselves towards protecting Nigeria’s security and ensuring sustainability of the country’s democracy. He also said that the Nigerian media could also sustain democracy by upholding and adhering strictly to the tenets of journalism practice.
Ralph Akinfeleye, a Professor in the Department of Mass Communication, Unilag, in a paper titled “Democracy, The Journalistic Integrity and National Security” at the official launch of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola (SLA) Memorial Foundation at University of Lagos (Unilag), recently said the Press in Nigeria need to work together to assist in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.
According to him, national security is the extent to which a nation protects itself, and journalists must play a part in the entire process urging them to raise their game and do more towards practicing journalism of conscience.
Akinfeleye said in a democracy, government should be able to accept political sense and nonsense, and journalists must therefore set new agenda that promotes best practice and strict adherence to the tenets of their profession.
The occasion was also used to launch SLA Memorial Foundation created by the children of the late Premier of the old Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola towards promoting the legacies, conduct research, and organise school debate for capacity building of Nigerian youths in line with the late Premiere’s principles.
Abayomi Akintola, a former Minister of Finance, former Nigeria Ambassador to Hungary, said the Foundation is to help correct the misconception of people about the principles and legacies of their father by sponsoring and conducting research that will inculcate the right perspective of SLA in the youths of Nigeria, and generations yet unborn.
The history, flag and SLA Foundation logo was also unveiled at the launch. The Foundation logo according to the organisers will be placed in the SLA library in Ogbomosho with a capacity of over 5000 books.
Special recognition and awards in support of the SLA Foundation was given to some individuals in line with the principles and defense of SLA contributions as a member of the House of Representative, and as a Premiere of the old Western region.
Nwolise O.B.C, Professor and Head, Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan, was honoured for defending the policies and works of SLA.
Speaking on behalf of other awardees; Nwolise in acceptance of the award pleaded that the heroes in the Nigerian history should not be forgotten.
SEYI JOHN SALAU