A traditional ruler in Osun State, Oba Hameed Oyelude Makama, the Olowu of Kuta, has urged journalists in the state and nation to be patriotic and responsible in their reportage.
Oba Oyelude gave the charge in Osogbo at his investiture as the Life Patron of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) Chapel.
The Permanent Chairman of the Supreme Royal Council of Owu Obas and Chiefs, who described journalists as indispensable in the society, also identified them as critical to the success of Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, journalists as members of the fourth estate of the realm, with the constitutional duty to inform the public, must discharge their duty with every sense of patriotism that ensures national unity and security.
The monarch urged journalists to be sensitive to the mood of the nation and be responsible in their reportage, adding that the peace of the nation is the peace of the citizens.
He said, “I want to urge all journalists to unite Nigerians. Nothing pays us more than a united country, where there’s peace and cooperation. Journalists should endeavour to propagate those common values that promote our oneness under the ideals of justice, fairness and equity”.
At the same event, former Chief of Army Staff and current Nigeria’s Ambassador to Republic of Benin, Lt. Gen. T. Buratai (rtd), who chaired the occasion, also called for the recognition of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s quest for national unity and security.
The retired Army Chief opined that the wealth of experience of the royal fathers and their knowledge of their domain as well as the activities that go on there could prove useful both in nation building and the fight against insecurity in the country.
He said, “I therefore call for more recognition of our Royal Fathers and traditional rulers in the scheme of things given the immense role they play in the society. This will enhance more understanding, peace and security in our country”.
Buratai described Oba Makama as a bridge builder whose quest for peace and development in his kingdom and country was unparalleled.
Dominica Nwabufo
