Professor Ralph Akinfeleye, a prominent scholar in Communications, has called on all levels of government in Nigeria to recognize and value the media industry as a critical partner in achieving sustainable national development. His remarks were made during the third annual milestone recognition event for media icons in Nigeria, themed “Media Legends: Inspiring Generations.”
The event, held in Ikeja, Lagos, featured notable figures, including Chris Isiguzo, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), who encouraged media practitioners to act as builders rather than wreckers in addressing the country’s current economic, political, and social challenges. Aremo Olusegun Osoba was represented by Segun Aderinye as the Father of the Day, and other media dignitaries, including Eze Anaba, President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), attended the ceremony.
In his capacity as the chairman of the occasion, Akinfeleye emphasized the constitutional role of journalists in holding the government accountable. He stated, “Under Chapter Two of the Nigeria Constitution and Section 22, you have the journalistic obligation which empowers you to monitor my government and make them accountable to the people.”
He urged journalists to transcend traditional reporting methods, suggesting they should act as agenda setters and gatekeepers while also advocating for peace, development, and integrity in their work. Akinfeleye highlighted pressing contemporary issues such as kidnapping, banditry, and cybercrime, calling on journalists to assume the role of mediators and to challenge the government to create an enabling environment that addresses these national security concerns.
He further advocated for the establishment of state police in conjunction with the national police, citing that effective governance in other democracies functions with both systems working collaboratively. Akinfeleye remarked, “The other name for democracy is a free press. President, please don’t take the press for granted. It is very difficult to take the press for granted. We are partners in progress.”
His message underscores the vital importance of a robust media sector in fostering accountability and transparency within the Nigerian political landscape, ultimately contributing to the country’s development.