In his speech at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Press Week of the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr. Bayonle Busari emphasized the important role journalists play in nation building. He expressed concern that journalists are not adequately recognized and rewarded for their efforts in shaping society.
Dr. Busari, who is the Coordinator of Post Graduate Programme at Lead City University, highlighted that the media has a significant impact on the progress and development of a nation. He called on journalists to present themselves in a positive manner in order to gain respect and recognition for their vital role.
He questioned why the media, which is instrumental in shaping society, does not receive the benefits they deserve. Dr. Busari stressed the importance of journalists evaluating themselves before assessing others and urged them to see themselves as crucial stakeholders.
The Chairman of Oyo NUJ, Com. Ademola Babalola, commended the growth of the Correspondent Chapel under its new leadership. He emphasized the need to hold political office holders accountable to their campaign promises as a measure of their performance in office. He further called on the government to prioritize infrastructural development and create a favorable environment for journalists to thrive. Babalola stressed that journalists should be regarded as partners in the nation’s progress.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Correspondent Chapel, Com. Raji Adebayo, described journalists as the voice of the voiceless and the watchdogs for the masses. He urged politicians to fulfill their campaign promises, as this would be the only way to ensure that the benefits of democracy reach the people. Adebayo also expressed his opinion that diverting funds from palliatives to infrastructural development, such as roads, healthcare, and education, would benefit a wider range of people.