Corrupt-free and vibrant media platforms will greatly foster and strengthen the country’s democracy, Senator Kola Balogun has said.
He said this as the Guest Speaker at the 30th World Press Freedom Day, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone B, South-West State Councils, held at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan.
The senator, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, spoke on the topic, “Freedom of Expression: A Driver For All Other Human Rights”.
He said preventing sectoral corruption in the media platforms will go a long way in sustaining the ongoing democratic experience.
The vice chairman, Senate Committee on Sports and Youth Development however said attaining a democratic ideal may be a mirage without corrupt-free, vibrant and ethical media platforms.
Senator Balogun said corrupt-free media platforms can be ensured through attractive remuneration, improved welfare package, well-founded media educational institutions and guaranteed personal security of practitioners.
“Our democracy is going through a wobbling evolution. If we continue to work at it, we will get to the promised land, no matter how long it takes.
“But this is not achievable without a vibrant, highly professional and ethical media platforms devoid of sectoral corruption.
“Attractive remuneration and welfare package is the way out. Media educational institutions must be well funded and personal security of the practitioners be guaranteed.
“If media practitioner’s welfare is not a priority, journalist will cut corners and compromise the standard of objectivity,” he added.
Senator Balogun said freedom of expression and freedom of the media are Siamese Twins, noting that free media platforms would guarantee freedom of expression in any human society.
“Media platforms are free when there is a deliberate attempt to ensure that freedom of expression is guaranteed in human societies.
“Media are a platform for wide-ranging debates on war and peace as well as freedom from tyranny.
“Freedom of expression and media are what we need to strengthen our democracies and tear down the walls of tyranny and bad governance across the globe.
“A democratic media is needed because it gives us hope and chronicles the movements and organisations that are making history.
“It gives voice to the voiceless and encourage people to get involved in their struggles to make a difference.
“The media should not have to agree with persons or groups, government or the most powerful.
“It is the media responsibility to include all voices in the discourse and then allow the people to decide,” he said as he further harped on corrupt-free media platforms.
Senator Kola Balogun was honoured with the United Nations (UN)-recognised Guillermo Cano Award by the pen-pushing body.
Earlier in her welcome address, vice president of the NUJ, Zone B, Comrade Aderonke Afebioye Samo, spoke about the importance of the annual World Press Freedom Day.
She said the UN General Assembly, 30 years ago, set aside 3 May of every year as an international day set aside to inform the citizenry of the violation of press freedom all over the world.
Comrade Samo, in her speech read by the chairman of NUJ, Oyo State Council, Comrade Demola Babalola, said the decision by the UN was to sensitise the global citizens on the hazards of the media profession.
“The UN, in its wisdom took this bold step as a result of incessant attacks, intimidations, harassment, deprivations, etc, suffered by journalists all over the world.
“This ugly trend portends a grave danger to information dissemination to the extent that journalists loose their jobs and even paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of their duty.
“The 1993 Declaration by the UN enables us to celebrate the principles of a free press, assess the state of press feedom in our localities and defend the media from attacks on their independence.
“Also importantly, this Declaration enables the media to recognise, celebrate and honour individuals, corporate bodies and instituions who are vociferous in the defence, enhancement and promotion of a free press.
“This recognition named after a Colombian journalist, GUILLERMO CANO, who was murdered in the course of the discharge of his duty, will also be given to our Guest Speaker, who is known for his consistent support, defence and advocacy of a free press,” she added.
Comrade Samo however admonished media practitioners to be ethical in the discharge of their duties, and with objectivity and fear of God as unbiased umpires.
Royal fathers present at the event included the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Alli Okunmade II, Oba Senator Lekan Balogun, represented by High Chiefs Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola (Otun Balogun of Ibadanland); Gbadamosi Adebimpe (Osi Balogun) and Hamidu Ajibade Sooko (Ekerin Olubadan).
Also present were the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, represented by Chiefs Chief John Adesina Olufade (Baale Falade) and Mogaji Olawale Olaniyi (Mogaji Olugbon).
Also in attendance were Barrister Niyi Ajewole, President General-elect, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII); Professor Oyeyinka Oyewo, HoD, Department of Communications and Language Arts, University of Ibadan, represented by Francis Amenaghamon, PhD;
Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, OFR, Special Counsel to Oyo State Governor/member, Government Advisory Council (GAC); Alhaji Tajudeen Olasunkanmi Aremu, Mni, a former Oyo State Head of Service and Chief Gani Kayode Balogun (GKB), Osi Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.
On Senator Kola Balogun’s entourage were his wife, Gbonjubola, Rotimi Ojasope, Hon Lawal Akindele (Bin Laden), Alhaji Takula (aka Ore Senator), and members of the Olubadan of Ibadanland G5.
Also in attendance were local government party chairmen and women, including Alhaji Azeez Elewure (IBNE); Prince Tajudeen Ashanike (IBSE); Arch J. O. Omoniyi (IBSE); Alhaji Olayiwola Taofeek (IBN) and Alhaji Dauda Akanji (Ido), while Mrs Ajenifuja led other women leaders to the event.
