Journalists have been urged to embrace mentorship, collaboration and continuous learning as vital instruments for strengthening professionalism and building a media industry that promotes truth, accountability and national development.
This call was made in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Press Week of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), themed “The Place of the Media in Shaping and Sustaining National Values.”
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, Mr Mohammed Ali, commended the staff’s dedication and professionalism in repositioning the agency to meet international standards.
“Over the next few days, we will engage in stimulating discussions, knowledge sharing, and celebrate the craft of journalism. In the past two years, we have worked to reposition the agency to compete with global brands such as Reuters and AFP. As Muhammad Ali once said, ‘If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.’ Despite funding and infrastructural challenges, our workforce remains motivated and committed to this vision,” he said.
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr Lanre Issa-Onilu, urged journalists to see themselves not only as reporters of events but also as custodians of the national conscience.
“The stories we tell today will define the Nigeria our children inherit. The media is not just a mirror; it is a compass. It must direct society towards truth, unity and resilience. Sustaining values goes beyond breaking news; it lies in consistency, ethics, and accountability,” he said.
In her remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to promoting professionalism and moral responsibility among journalists.
“We must rise above sensationalism and division, ensuring that our work strengthens the moral fabric of Nigeria. The NUJ, particularly in the FCT, is committed to promoting integrity, fairness, and professionalism through training, advocacy and solidarity,” she said.
Similarly, the Chairman of the NUJ NAN Chapel, Mr Collins Yakubu, emphasised the media’s crucial role in preserving national values and promoting responsible journalism in the face of growing misinformation.
“The media is more than a messenger; it is the mirror of society and the builder of national identity. In an age where misinformation spreads faster than truth, our role has never been more critical. We must uphold accuracy, fairness, and responsibility, ensuring that our platforms enlighten rather than divide, and strengthen rather than weaken public trust,” he noted.
The Press Week provided a platform for journalists and media stakeholders to reflect, learn, and reaffirm their shared commitment to ethical journalism that sustains national values and promotes the public good.