The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti , Most Rev Felix AJAKAYE has tasked journalists to be truthful, objective, fearless and uphold ethics of their profession in their daily reportage, saying, that makes them critical stakeholders in promoting peace, justice and development in Nigeria.
Rev AJAKAYE disclosed this during the 2025 annual lecture organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists,(NUJ ) Ekiti state Council, titled “Surmounting the challenges to the Role of Media as a real catalyst for positive and concrete change in Nigeria ”
Rev AJAKAYE charged journalists to at all times uphold ethical principles of their profession which he said would make the masses respect and regard them. ” Upholding the ethical principles in the practice of journalism is a necessary step in Surmounting the challenges to the role of media as real catalyst for positive and concrete change in Nigeria”
The religious leader, added that truthfulness is sacrosanct in journalism. For any newspaper or Media house; electronic or new media to be credible in the public eye, it needs to report the truth. Truthfulness is highly essential in the media’s service to society, it is a value which needs to be upheld. Rev AJAKAYE stated.
Speaking of challenges facing the media, Rev AJAKAYE highlighted; lack of motivation, absence of modern equipment, epileptic power supply, poor remuneration, no adequate staff training, no job satisfaction, Artificial intelligence, laziness among others.
The religious leader emphasized the urgent need to proffer solutions to the challenges mentioned for journalists to effectively discharge their duties in a way that would enhance peace, social justice and meaningful development in Nigeria.
He however charged journalists to make use of AUTHENTIC INTELLIGENCE by reading widely, conduct research and embark on investigative journalism instead of relying on ‘artificial intelligence’ and fake news. ” The media has to be used responsibly towards promoting justice, peace, stability, dialogue, harmony and mutual understanding. With this the society progresses, develops and remains focussed, this is why media practitioners have to be properly trained both formally and informally , to channel their talents towards what is notable and helpful” Bishop AJAKAYE added.
Earlier, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi said the lecture was to further equip journalists and proffer solutions to challenges bedeviling the union .
While appreciating Bishop AJAKAYE for honouring the invitation of the union, the NUJ Chairman applauded the religious leader’s contribution to the development of Nigeria. The high point of the lecture was the presentation of an award of excellence to the Bishop of Catholic Diocese, Ekiti state.
Responding, the Bishop appreciated the union and urged Nigerians to believe in Nigeria and work for her unity and progress