A Mass Communication Scholar, Prof. Mainasara Kurfi, has stressed the need for Nigerian journalists to acquaint themselves fully with the code of ethics of their profession to enable them discharge their duties effectively.
Kurfi, who is the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano, gave the charge on Wednesday while delivering a paper at the opening of a two-day training workshop for senior journalists in Kano.
The International Press Institute Nigeria organised the two-day training for senior journalists, in partnership with MacArthur Foundation.
Kurfi said, “One of the challenges facing Nigerian journalists is lack of awareness of the code of ethics of their profession”.
In a presentation titled, ”Understanding Media Codes and Ethics,” Kurfi noted that many Nigerian journalists are not aware of the code of ethics of their profession”.
“How many Nigerian journalists know and understand the journalistic code of ethics. If they know, do they apply them in their operations?” he asked.
“Journalists need to know the ethics because they are made to protect the public from harm or misleading information. They also help journalists to do their job effectively”.
He said although the application of the code of ethics has its attendant impediment hence it’s necessary for a serious media houses to always conduct in-house training for its members.
The President of the International Press Institute, Musikilu Mojeed, said Section 22 of the Constitution allows “the Press, Radio, Television and other agencies of mass media to all time be free to uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.”
According to him, many Nigerian journalists are harassed, assaulted, arrested, detained and. They were sometimes killed for upholding the people’s right to know.
Also in his remarks, the board chairman IPI Nigeria and Media Trust Houp Chairman, Kabiru Yusuf, who addressed the meeting virtually, said media practitioners were facing difficulties just like many other Nigerians.
“The solution to the economic crisis lies in the traditional role of the media holding the government to account.
“It is difficult to be ethical when things are difficult when people try to make ends meet,..but in the long term as media practitioners we must always do what is right,” he said.
The IPI Global Director, Mr Frane Maroevic in a message to the training, said the institute would continue to encourage ethical journalism in the digital age when information travels faster to connect society and amplify values.
Director of MacArthur Foundation, Dr Kole Shatimma, said the foundation would continue to support independent media without which, he noted, even businesses will find it difficult to survive.
