Taraba state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has congratulated journalists as the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) clocked 70 on Saturday. Governor Kefas noted that the Fourth Estate of the Realm has, over the decades, helped in shaping and strengthening the nation’s democracy.
Dr. Kefas, in a statement to commemorate the milestone, described journalism as a noble profession that has contributed immensely to nation-building and national cohesion through reportage and other editorial engagements.
He noted that the work journalists do is a very important one, especially in the areas of unbiased reporting and agenda setting roles. He salutes practitioners for always raising the bar for governance and insisting on social justice. He said journalists have continued to demonstrate courage and integrity in their work.
Consequently, Dr Kefas said his door is always opened to continue improving and providing an enabling atmosphere for journalists to practice their trade. He said journalists in Taraba state should feel free to carry out their duties without any fear of molestation. He said he is a firm believer in press freedom and the need for fair and balanced reporting.
According to him, the media remains the mirror by which the government and the governed see themselves. He noted that this is a heavy burden that requires sticking to professional ethics by practitioners. He said that without the job journalists do, dictatorship and bad governance will thrive.
Committing further to practitioners’ welfare, Governor Kefas said his administration will continue to seek ways to provide practitioners with the needed tools and continuous training in modern reporting methods.
Signed:
Emmanuel Bello
Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications to the Governor of Taraba state