Opinion Article
The Golden Fish they say has no hiding place and that’s the reason Comrade Ede Agho, is a household name in the journalism profession. By virtue of her status, she is an intelligent broadcaster of international repute, who has since carved a niche for herself in the broadcast journalism. A true daughter of the Benin Kingdom, Ede Agho, has always stood on the ladder of humility, honesty, respect for the constituted authorities and of course peaceful co-existence for progress, peace and unity of the people.
As a detribalised personality, Ede Agho has always worked within the confines of morality to restructure the mindset of every average human, irrespective of tribal affiliations. Ede Agho as a team player, has been able to coordinate the people of like mind to promote the good and well being of the society.
There is no doubt that the huge experiences she has garnered all over the years as a broadcast journalist, will propel the Edo State Council of Nigerian Union of Journalists, under the watch of the ebullient Comrade Festus Alenkhe, as chairman, to witness another round of thunderous development and transformation in the next three years.
She is contesting for the position of Vice Chairman of the Council not practically because she wants to amass wealth if any, but to serve with diligence and honesty and particularly to exert her energy and explore her intellectual capacity toward sustaining the already established developmental strides of Comrade Festus Alenkhe led executive and not the other way round.
In sincerity, Ede Agho has always and will always operate an open door policy devoid of sentiments for the purposes of taking the council to the next level in terms of human capital and infrastructural developments.
As a modifier, Ede Agho will work in tandem with the laid down policies and programmes of this present EXCO to bring more respites to members.
On this note, here are some of the cogent reasons she is vying for the number two position of the Edo NUJ while she was unveiling her plans for journalists.
Excerpt:
Why did you indicate interest in Edo State NUJ election particularly Vice Chairmanship position even when you were expected to start from the national?
WHY I DESIRE TO SERVE
There can be any one of several reasons why people choose to embrace a project or a course of action. It always helps to state and assess them clearly. Socrates , an old man of wisdom , famously stated that an ‘unexamined life is not worth living ‘ . Living the examined life means giving deep thought to what you are doing before taking the first step. This, for me, has been an important principle and has been decisive and foundational in framing my vision and ambition.
My career as a journalist has not been entirely intentional . But it gives me the greatest pleasure because it has given me the opportunity to promote public purposes . The media gives us all the liberal platforms to stand for good, to expose evil, and to seek to promote a just and equitable society. This has been the eternal joy of my entire professional life.
The visibility and the opportunity to enjoy leverage are add-ons. What matters most for me is the capacity to act as agents of change and progress. But what has all this got to do with me running for the office of Vice Chairman. It is not a decision that has come in one sudden convulsion. And if I suggest that I am a political animal , not everyone will be entirely surprised. My sense of public good and correctness does not permit me to keep my mouth shut or my eyes closed when things slide. Years ago, I got faintly involved with our local politics at the ward level, but it was not fully consummated.
However , the media has been an enduring passion . I have, therefore, always taken a keen interest in the affairs of the NUJ . The NUJ is a labour union; it is a professional body. But above all else , it is our refuge and our home . Essentially, it is all we have, and it is important that we put our best foot forward in representing and defending it.
I have had extensive discussions with friends and colleagues. There seems to be a fair amount of consensus that my fervour can be of great assistance in promoting the purposes of the NUJ. I can and will serve as a force for change and progress.
In spite of rapid advances in the quality and capacity levels of media men and women , journalists are still treated with condescension . Yet the history of Nigeria , particularly of its movement towards independent nationhood , can not be complete without the contribution of journalists .
Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and Chief Anthony Enahoro were all journalists and frontline journalists. We are all proud heirs of this excellent tradition . Even in current times, journalists have continued to expand the public good. We must stand tall with the rest of the elite society. I want to be part of the vanguard of this restoration . We are tall ; we are journalists and no one will diminish or retard us. This is part of the reason I am in this race.
I also want to be part of the vanguard which will create more harmony amongst the various chapels. Competition is important but when pushed to extreme ends it can become corrosive. What we need is competition which allows for harmony and a sense of oneness. We must also create a professional model which allows for a transition which does not result in vileness or rancor or nostalgia bias .
I come not in a spirit of haughtiness , condemning all I see and experience. The NUJ has done a lot of public and private good and deserves to be applauded . But I am also anxious to contribute my humble quota . I have the enthusiasm , I have considerable capacity and I am willing to work without counting the cost. I hope I can count on the support of all my colleagues . God bless you all.
Osamede Christabel Agho
NTA BENIN