Uduaghan’s concerns and Fears About Journalism In Delta State.

Every year the Nigerian Union of Journalist mark Press Week, a period journalists use to take an in-dept reflection on their work and engagement with the society.

This year’s event was graced by the presence of the state government functionaries.

 The opening remarks of the state governor unveiled some deep concerns, his understanding, concerns and prayers for journalists in the state.

The governor who was represented at the event by his deputy, commended media workers over the tremendous support the government enjoyed since its first term, stressing that the media in the state has demonstrated high level of professionalism in the objective reportage of government activities, policies and programmers.

I urge you to include ethical decision making in the list of competence you must build and embrace, to succeed you must combine your craft, skills and knowledge with strong critical thinking and sound ethical decision making, the governor prayer.

Governor uduaghan shared his perfect understanding about what being a journalist means as he shared in dept practical field experience of a day today work experience, hear him:

In your job, you will be covering tragedy & trauma, often connected with vulnerable victims who have no desire to deal with a journalists, you will be reporting on crimes & corruption, interviewing people who have no inclination to answer your questions, you will be covering complex stories about business, science and the military talking with sources that are skeptical about your ability to understand their field and subject matter. You will be reporting on politics, law enforcement and religion, talking with individuals who are reluctant because they are convinced that your bias will drive the story. You will be covering ethnic relations & cultural issues, interviewing sources who will not trust you and your reporting.

Governor Uduaghan did not hide his appreciation of the horrors of journalism, in his speech he reminded journalists that in the discharge of their duties, they will be stonewalled by powerful people who will deter them from getting the truth.

Despite all these he strengthened media worker’s commitment with the admonition that their ability to produce accurate, fair and honest journalism will directly relate to their ability to succeed in challenging working situations.

The press has a huge responsibility at launching the impetus to make the progress our country and state needs to accelerate its speed to outrun the monster of under development, you have the responsibility, the governor charged.

There is no denying the fact that vibrant press is inseparable from a responsible and responsive government, to this end you will need commitment and courage to keep practicing rigorous and vigorous journalism in the face of difficulty and even danger, to challenge conventional thinking at the risk of being labeled a rebel, Uduaghan observed.