Journalists the world over are on daily basis faced with the difficult task of penetrating different terrains with a view to finding lasting answers to the most critical questions on the minds of citizens. These questions border on virtually every aspect of human life including politics, security, natural disasters, education and, among others, social and economic issues.
Of course, information is power. Knowing one’s environment and the things happening therein enables one to make informed choices and better identify ways to more profitably relate with the environment. Journalists in keeping with the mandate of keeping the society informed defy all odds, resist all fear and threats, ask even the most difficult questions on behalf of others.
In doing this however, journalists face different life threatening hazards. Every occupation no doubt has its own peculiar hazards. What make those relating to the journalism profession different, however, is that while journalists are expected to travel along dangerous terrains, covering deadly assignments, including wars which sometimes get them caught in the crossfire, they hardly enjoy any physical protection.
No doubt, asking difficult questions and uncovering the bitter truth for others to benefit most times put journalists’ lives at risk. This is because those concerned could sometimes go to any length to, regardless of its public importance, prevent such information from reaching the public, especially when it hurts their personal interests.
No wonder, many journalists have fallen victims of deadly attacks, with some even killed in the line of duty. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) estimates that globally, close to 1300 journalists have died in the line of duty since 1992, out of which 20 are from Nigeria. This figure, however, does not include those who died as a result of sicknesses which could also be caused by occupational hazards, accidents and other factors not directly connected to conflict.
Remembering every single soul that has fallen while rendering service to their fatherland especially as a result of occupational hazards is one sure way to keep their sacrificial legacies alive. In addition, memory as Walt Whitman once wrote, both restores dignity and heals wounds, especially in the hearts of affected family members, friends and colleagues.
By remembering such journalists also, those who are still alive toeing the same dangerous path as their deceased colleagues would be encouraged to strive on, knowing that their sweat would not be forgotten after they depart the earth.
It is in the light of this that the Plateau State Council of the Nigerian union of journalists (NUJ) has organised its first ever memorial lecture in honour of its departed members, especially those who lost their lives in a ghastly motor accident on the 16th of May, 2007 while on transit to cover the commissioning of some government projects.
They include: Judith Adama of The New Nigeria Newspaper, Musa Nuhu, News Agency of Nigeria, Moses Ezulike, Champion Newspaper, Isaac Agbo, The Nation Newspaper, Emmanuel Adinoyi, Africa Independent Television (AIT), Sudan Lar of NTA, James Avre, Leadership Newspaper and Ruben Emeje, Federal Information.
The death of Anaeche Adiku and Joseph Hir, as well as Gyang Bwede, Nathan Dabak and Augustine Sindyi, three of whom were killed during violent conflicts in 2010, is indeed a heavy blow to the profession and the entire country as far as democracy is concerned. Their memories should, therefore, serve as a reminder to all on the daily sacrifices of journalists around the world in favour of justice, peace and development.
The lecture tagged “Journalism: Risks, Responsibilities and Reliance in a changing world” is expected to be delivered by Sir Joseph Ari, the Director General, Industrial Training Fund, ITF.
The programme slated for Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at the Aziel hall, Eliel centre Jos by 9am, is under the Chairmanship of Chief Joshua Dariye, Senator representing Plateau Central Senatorial Zone who was governor when the accident occurred. It is expected to discuss issues affecting journalists around the world with a view to positioning them for better efficiency.
The event is also expected to be used to raise funds for the establishment of an ICT centre for the Plateau State Council of the NUJ. This is with a view to enabling members have access to quality information on global best practices within the profession. Giving journalists such access would no doubt enhance their capacity and the quality of information delivered to the public.
Supporting the programme with your prayers, presence and if possible resources would be of great impact to the struggle for good governance, justice, peace and development in Nigeria, a campaign that journalists the world over are traditionally known to spearhead.
Kim wrote from Jos
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