The National President of Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Mallam Garba Mohammed, has called on government institutions and other well-meaning organizations to emulate the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) in the area of partnerships, training and workshops for Nigerian media practitioners.
Mallam Mohammed made this call in Gombe, during the Two-Day National Media Workshop for Arts Writers and Editors, organized by NICO in collaboration with the Gombe State Government on February the 9th and 10th, 2012.
Mallam Garba Who was represented by the NUJ Vice President, North-East Zone, Alhaji Muktari Gidado said the collaboration between the Media and the Institute is a clear manifestation of the degree of trust and confidence the Institute has on the media, particularly on its primary role of educating, entertaining and enlightening the Nigerian public.
Commending NICO for the workshop which had as theme: “Sustainable Culture and Tourism Promotion in Nigeria’s Democracy: The Imperative for the Media, Garba expressed his conviction that culture as an adaptation of natural phenomenon in human existence should be known and inculcated through general orientation and public enlightenment programmes, which he said the Media Workshop is timely, taking into cognizance that the core cultural affiliations, understanding and harmony that exist in Nigeria are fast diminishing due to globalization and other social ills.
According to him “Bringing journalist together as target audience for this very important workshop is a clear indication of the Institute’s desire to bridge the gap that exist, particularly in the context of accepting and understanding cultural applications. By educating journalists through this workshop, the Institute is directly educating Nigerians because of the power of the media.
The NUJ President further stressed that as a Union, “It is always our desire to collaborate with organizations of this caliber with a view to building the capacity of our members and enhance professional excellence”. He maintained that journalism is a noble profession and the media should always be encouraged so that journalists can have a free, fair, objective, balanced, decent and accurate reportage of events, particularly when dealing with the larger audience.
He disclosed that in furtherance to his administration’s resolve to improve the welfare of journalists and build their capacity, the leadership of the Union is always open to similar collaborations with relevant and friendly institutions and organizations across the country.
Papers were presented during the workshop by veteran journalist and pioneer Arts Editor of the Guardian Newspaper, Mr. Ben Tomoloju, former Commissioner of Information, Yobe State, Alhaji Goni Fika and the Head, Department of Public Administration, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Dr. Charlie Nwekeaku.
Caleb Nor
Corporate Affairs