Lawmaker tasks Journalists on balanced reportage

By Moses Mark

Journalists in the country have been charged to work towards improving content and objective reports, as this will enhance neutrality and balanced reportage of major contentious issues in the polity.

Chairman House Committee on Navy, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi stated this in Jos at the inaugural lecture and fund raising for the purchase of a vehicle for the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Plateau State Council.

Gagdi who called for the enactment of an appropriate legislation to protect journalists in line of duty stressed the need for the Nigeria Union of Journalists to identify specific areas of need and amendment of existing laws to guarantee this.

Speaking on the topic ‘insecurity and the quest for lasting peace in Nigeria; the role of the media, Gagdi, who represents Pankshin, kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State said when the media is just and upright in carrying out its roles, rumours and animosity would disappear and a platform for constructive engagement on how to move the Country forward would emerge.

Represented by a lecturer from the Plateau State Polytechnic, Mr Luka Panpe, Gagdi stressed the need for a complete overhaul of the philosophy to run media outfits, noting that this will require the review of procedures for issuing licenses for broadcast, improving welfare for journalists and proper financing and equipping of the media.

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, represented by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications Hon. Dan Manjang said the State Government has been enjoying a robust relationship with journalists in the State.

Lalong expressed the commitment of his administration to complete the renovation of the NUJ secretariat in the State.

Chairman of the occasion and a philanthropist, Hon. Manji Gontori described the topic chosen as key, considering the security challenges facing the Country.

In an address of welcome, Chairman Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Plateau State Mr Gyang Bere said the chapel had become a strong and united family since the election was conducted and called for the protection of Journalists.

Bere appealed for assistance for the purchase of a vehicle to enable them carry out their functions effectively and called for the remembrance of some of its members who lost their lives some years back following an accident.

Highlight of the event was the inauguration of the new Executive of the Chapel.