2021 NGE: Ganduje urges editors to be conflict sensitive

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state has declared opened 2021 Nigerian Guild of Editors Biennial Convention, themed “The Media in COVID-19 Era: Challenges and Opportunities,” in Kano, Monday.

Describing the event as an opportunity to look into national development as it relates to media practice, Ganduje urges that, “It is very important at this time that we should use the media for the promotion of peace and stability and change the viewpoints that could alter public views and sentiment toward a more peaceful resolution of our multi-faceted current crises.”

A statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Abba Anwar, on Monday, said Ganduje noted that “If and only if we as a nation are interested in peace and harmony, we must reject hate propaganda machinery. In the main, this is a time Editors should be conflict-sensitive about our nation.”

The statement said Ganduje observed that crossing of redlines by some media organisations in recent times has impacted the nation’s unity, harmony and integration.

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“Our brave, collective pursuit in uniting this nation, underscores the fact that for as long as we have a common purpose, we will find no obstacle big enough to stop us from marching on. The media and particularly our gatekeepers have a role to play in this regard,’’ said the statement.

‘’While urging media to ensure looking into social responsibility aspect of their practice for national development, he maintains that the call for freedom of the Press, observance of the ethical standard must also be seen to be respected.’’

In the statement, the President of NGE Mustapha Isa, appreciated the presence of the governor at the event, acknowledging that, Kano has been transformed into a more modern city-state.

It noted that Professor Umar Pate, Vice-Chancellor Federal University, Kashere, commends governor Ganduje’s effort in maintaining a good working relationship with the media.

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He explained in clearer terms how fake news affects media credibility and development. He called on media practitioners to stick to the ethical standard and also follow suit in using technology, as it is obtained presently.

Solacebase reports that present at the event were, former governor of Ogun state, Chief Aremu Olusegun Osoba, Senior Special Assistant to the President of Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Professor Umar Pate, former Presidents of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, former and serving Presidents of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, among many other captains of the media industry.