Oil & Gas
By Anthony Isibor.
THE Nigeria Content and Development Monitoring Board, NCDMB, has restated its commitment to partner with Online publishers to promote its advocacy for Local Content in all spheres of the Nigerian economy.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting organized for the elite group in the Nigerian media space under the aegis of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP, Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary of NCDMB noted that the partnership has become necessary as the importance of online media in today’s journalism space cannot be overemphasized.
Wabote stated that the members of the Corporate Online publishers are distinguished media practitioners, who rose to the zenith in the mainstream media before veering off to set up their own online publishing business.
“Let me underscore the importance of the media with this famous quote by Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States, from 1801 to 1809, when he said and I quote: “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”
According to him, “First, we want online publishers to understand the importance of Nigerian Content to the national economy; and to continue to advocate for Local Content in all spheres of the Nigerian economy. This the first time we are formally engaging online publishers.
“The COVID-19 pandemic brought home the reality that every economy needs to develop local capacities and capabilities in the core sectors of its economy. So, all hands must now be on deck to push the Local Content narrative.
“Secondly, we want to use the opportunity of this engagement to give a historical excursion of the reason for the Nigerian Content imperative; the journey so far; and our plans going forward.
“Thirdly, we want to have a frank conversation with online publishers and encourage your members to censor fake news using the instrumentality of the law and self-regulation procedures, so you can maintain the enviable reputation you have earned in society.
Wabote also advocated for the need for the press to remain free and not be held down by laws.
”Personally, I believe that the social media space and online media should not be gagged by laws, but must be regulated in such a manner that encourages the freedom of expression enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended. The free exchange of ideas should be allowed to blossom. However, citizens must not take the liberty to libel or slander one another.
“Some of the online media platforms are undermining the government’s noble intentions of bringing in technocrats and professionals to serve as appointees because of the targeted and unwarranted attack against these persons under the cloak of investigative journalism, thereby tarnishing the image of your wonderful profession.
“As we all know, your freedom begins where the other person’s freedom ends,” he said.
“As online publishers, you have a huge responsibility to condemn and weed out the bad eggs in your profession, and our society generally,” he added.
– FEB. 21, 2022 @ 17:05 GMT |
A.I
Tags: GOCOP NCDMB Simbi Wabote
