By Amos Aar
A former Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, Prof. Daniel Bo, has charged journalists to remain fearless, patriotic and passionate in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.
Bo, who is a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM), gave the charge on Thursday while making a presentation titled “Know Who You Are” during an extraordinary congress of the NUJ, Benue State Council, at the union’s secretariat, Makurdi.
He described a journalist as a nationalist, patriot and the conscience of the nation, stressing that journalists must be prepared to uphold the truth and serve the public interest despite threats or intimidation.
According to him, journalism is not a profession for people who are afraid to confront difficult realities, urging practitioners who cannot withstand threats associated with the profession to consider other vocations.
“Go and be a farmer if you are scared of threats,” he said, stressing the need for journalists to demonstrate courage in the performance of their duties.
Bo noted that journalism had historically played a significant role in Nigeria’s struggle for independence, citing the contributions of nationalist journalists, including Nnamdi Azikiwe, who used journalism as a tool in the fight for independence.
He said the responsibility of journalists goes beyond reporting events, as the stories they publish have the power to influence public perception and shape society.
“What you write shapes what people think” he asserted.
The varsity don, however, observed that members of the public were increasingly finding it difficult to distinguish between information circulated by individuals, particularly on digital platforms, and professionally processed news produced by trained journalists.
He attributed the growing confusion partly to the nature and quality of content being circulated, stressing the need for journalists to constantly demonstrate the value of professional journalism through credible and responsible reporting.
Bo explained that the theme of his presentation, “Know Who You Are,” was inspired by the need for journalists to examine their professional identity and determine whether their practice truly reflects the values expected of them.
He said a journalist who understood who he or she was would naturally demonstrate nationalism, patriotism, passion and commitment to the profession.
Bo also urged journalists to remain united and resolve their differences amicably within the union rather than allowing internal disagreements to undermine the profession.
He stressed the importance of solidarity among practitioners in confronting challenges affecting journalism and protecting the integrity of the profession.
In his remarks, NUJ Benue State Council Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, appreciated Prof. Bo for sharing his knowledge and experience with journalists, describing the presentation as an important contribution towards improving the profession and its service to society.
