Journalists in Ogun State and beyond have been charged on the need to uphold the ethics of objective and factual journalism, as unadulterated information dissemination was necessary for a peaceful society.
This charge was given at the Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Information Chapel, themed: ‘Jihad: The Path to Peace, not a Call to Chaos’ which took place at the Arcade ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Guest lecturer and Chief Missioner, NASFAT Worldwide, Imam Abdul-Azeez Onike, drawing his lessons from Quran Chapter 22 V 78, stated that Jihad is not a "Holy War" as generally misconceived, but a strive in the path of Allah for a good course. The Imam added that the media must take up the challenge to educate the public.
"The media has to play the role of changing the narrative by disseminating facts at all times. Jihad is not violence as misconceived by people. It is a simple act of kindness to the needy to redeem them,’’ he said.
In his goodwill message, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, noted that the Union had been consistent with the Ramadan Lecture, adding that the chosen theme equally affects the practice of journalism, as well as the general public.
Lending their voices, Asiwaju Adeeni of Ogun State who doubled as the Chairman of the Occasion, Prince Samsudeen Apelogun and Father of the Day who is the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, in the State, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, said that Ramadan fast offers a time to do soul searching, enjoining the gathering to see the month as a model for other months.
In his address, Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, said that the Union would not relent in its drive to continually see to the welfare of members and uphold professionalism.
Earlier, Chairman, NUJ, Information Chapel, Comrade Femi Osipitan, who appreciated the gathering noted that the Union in its tradition had put together the event to educate the public with correct information, foster peace and develop members spiritually.
Other dignitaries at the event were; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Waheed Adesina, his counterparts from the Cabinet and Special Service and Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, Alhaja Moriamo Oloko as well as the Chief Imam, Governor's Office, Central Mosque, Imam Abdul- Fattah Inakoju.
Rasak Sekoni,
Ramadan Committee
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