Ambassador Sarafa Isola, the former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, emphasized the importance of media self-regulation over government control during his address in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He made these remarks at the inaugural ceremony of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Ogun Council, marking their first year in office and the inauguration of various projects.
The first anniversary featured a lecture titled “Security and Media: A Partnership for National Development.”
The former envoy, who was the chairman on the occasion, noted that a self-regulated media would perform its role professionally and earn the respect of society.
Isola expressed concern that both traditional and social media have been polluted and urged professionals in the industry to self-regulate to salvage the sector.
He also charged journalists to report accurately with the mindset of protecting national security.
Isola warned against the abuse of social media, saying it should be used for networking and promotion of good narrative.
Isola said, “Yes, news can be reported, but the ambiance of the national security is important. Why? Because the world is now a global village.
“When we were young, we used to see people like (Olusegun) Osoba, (Felix) Adenaike, and Peter Ajayi, we used to call them three musketeers and the profession was well respected.
I don’t believe in the government regulation of the media, but I believe in self-regulation, just for you to earn your respect and maintain a reputation. Journalists are well respected across the world.
“And since this is the cradle (referring to Ogun NUJ) of journalism in Nigeria, you have a responsibility to do that.”
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