Uphold Journalism Ethics to Safeguard Democracy, Ex-NOA DG Urges Journalists

By David Odama

Journalists across the country have been charged to uphold the ethics and values of the profession, as democracy cannot thrive in any society without a free and credible press.

Former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, issued the call on Sunday while speaking at a media thanksgiving service hosted by ERCC Gloryland, Lafia.

Omeri stressed that the peace and unity of society would remain under threat if journalism is compromised through “brown envelope” practices or undue influence. According to him, the independence of the media remains a critical pillar for sustaining democracy and fostering development globally.

He urged media practitioners to deepen their understanding of democratic principles in order to uphold fairness, professionalism, and free expression. Omeri further appealed to the political class to regard the media as “a partner in progress,” warning that the spread of junk journalism has encouraged the harassment and intimidation of journalists in Nigeria and beyond.

Also speaking at the event, Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Dr. Danladi Jatau, commended the role of the press in sustaining Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy since the beginning of the Fourth Republic.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abdullahi Sule, Ibrahim Addra, and the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Salihu Mohammed Alkali—represented by Juliana Ofokwu—also praised the media’s commitment to professionalism, pledging continued support for developmental initiatives that promote good governance.

In his sermon, Dr. Nawani Aboki, Chairman and Chief Executive of Breeze FM Lafia, urged the congregation to support journalists in delivering quality services to the people. He emphasized that collaboration between the media and society is vital for effective performance, warning against unethical practices that erode public trust.

Similarly, Associate Reverend of the church, Rev. John Godiya, called for responsible journalism that promotes social cohesion rather than creating tension, stressing the importance of partnership between the media and the public in advancing progress.