Realnews 2nd Anniversary Lecture
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| By J. C. Ezigbo |
ALLOW me stand on protocol and simply welcome each and every one of you to this auspicious event. It is my pleasure and delight to be here with you all as we celebrate an organization and agency that has taken up the gauntlet of change, and have chosen to stand boldly to make a difference in a critical industry in our nation and the world at large.
The call for journalism comes from the fundamental right of each person to information, opinion and expression. Journalism is an industry and institution that gives each of us a voice in the world – directly or indirectly. Journalism has the potential and power, and indeed shapes our world views and perspectives. Journalism is our “fourth State’ – the unseen force that impacts in a major way on our political and socio-economic environment, and I dare say – the general quality of life of the citizens of each and every country on the earth.
Information – sound and fact-based, is critical to the strategic development of every nation. The knowledge platform based on which they operate is the strength on which various businesses, economic, legal and political institutions survive, grow and thrive. There is no gainsaying the fact that information is a core component of the strategy development process. It is the information we have access to that provides us with the insight and depth of understanding to clarify complex issues, make decisions and define the landscape in which we operate – as individuals, as corporations, as institutions, as governments, as a nation.
That the media is a powerful tool of use or abuse is not in doubt. The media has the potential to pool the collective psyche of large groups of people through the information that it passes on. A simple analysis of the political terrain of Nigeria reveals how the media affects political decisions and actions. The Nigerian public is today more politically informed and active than ever before, a development we can readily attribute to the proliferation of media outlets – print, electronic, and digital (through social media platforms); as well as the quality of information (or unfortunately at times, misinformation) that the public has at their disposal today.
We see today the impact of journalism on our socio-cultural landscape. The daily struggle to balance the maintaining of our traditional core family values, decency, respect for labor and the dignity of man with the modern day trends are topical issues in every space. It is the same industry that has the power to determine which side of the divide will win this fight. The same is true for every aspect of life or industry that we look at. Journalism – free media, but let me add – responsible free media; has a key role to play in the today and tomorrow of the people of the world today.
In the world that we live in today, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find people and institutions that will stand their ground against various forms of oppression and temptations to deliver the truth. And when we do find such people or institutions, we must celebrate and encourage them. We are here today to mark the second anniversary of REALNEWS, one of such laudable media institutions which I refer to. REALNEWS commenced operations in 2012 with the strategic objective of using their investigative skills to ferret information in the sectors they focus on, and to produce unbiased reports which will influence the government and decision makers to take actions that will make the society better. They are an institution with a strong desire and commitment to make remarkable positive impact on the Nigerian society. REALNEWS is a noteworthy institution that has positioned itself as community servants, keepers of public documentation, protectors of democracy, and sponsors of public channels of communication.
A look through any single edition of REALNEWS leaves you with the undeniable evidence that they provide a richly varied body of work – from our cultural history, to economic and political developments of Nigeria. REALNEWS provides a medium for quelling many socio-economic issues in Nigeria today. With every publication the general public is encouraged to participate in ongoing debates and discussions in the country. REALNEWS has chosen to deliver professional journalism without fear or favor. They profile a seasoned team and this is reflected in the quality of their reporting. In the face of the difficult environment within which they operate, REALNEWS has clearly chosen to differentiate themselves, defy the odds and blaze a trail that is well worthy of emulation.
As we celebrate this milestone in their work to showcase the fine art of journalism, I want to again emphasize on the need for freedom of expression, and the need to encourage those men and women who have chosen to bravely walk the path of ensuring true freedom of information and expression is an established reality accessible to all. The societal watchdog role that our media institutions play is crucial to the achievement of equality and harmony in our nation and plays a vital and valuable role in our democratic process. I ask that each of us here make a determined commitment to work hand in hand with REALNEWS to ensure their growth and continuity in the years ahead, for the sake of our beloved nation Nigeria.
I am grateful to REAL NEWS and the organizers of this event for the honor conveyed on me to chair this occasion and I wish you unprecedented heights of achievement in your future endeavors. I say a very big ‘Well done!’ and ask that you keep up the good work.
I thank you all for listening and wish us all a very successful and fruitful outing her today.
Thank you.
Professor J.C. Ezigbo, managing director, Falcon Corporation’s opening remark at the Second anniversary Lecture of Realnews mangazine which he chaire on November 19, 2014
— Dec. 1, 2014 @ 01:00 GMT
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