Journalists For Christ (JFC) International — an association of Christian journalists and allied professionals in Nigeria and beyond has tasked journalists on the need to discharge their constitutional duties professionally by tackling misinformation and other harmful content, even as they continue to hold government accountable.
JFC Int’l while extolling media professionals for their role as partners in national development, said information is crucial to human existence hence the need for journalists to not only disseminate adequate information to members of the public but also the right information.
This was contained in a statement issued by the founding President of JFC and media development expert, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day 2021.
The World Press Freedom Day, marked every May 3rd, acts as a reminder to governments on the need to respect press freedom and also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.
Otufodunrin, who is the Executive Director, Media Career Development Network and a former Managing Editor at The Nation, also called on Nigerians to demonstrate more support for press freedom in the country which will enable journalists play their expected role in educating the public with the right information and content.
The statement reads, “As media organisations and associations worldwide commemorates the World Press Freedom Day today, May 3,2021, Journalists for Christ (JFC), the Association for Christian Journalists and allied professional in Nigeria, urges media professionals in Nigeria to ensure access to verified and reliable information for the people.
“The theme for this year’s celebration “Information as a Public Good” is very apt considering the urgent need, more than ever before, to ensure that people have access to the right information at all times.
“New media technologies have enhanced freedom of expression, dissemination and access to information, but the level of misinformation and dissemination have become worrisome.
“Fake news have become the order of the day with many false information and harmful content being disseminated regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and other major crises.
“In line with the statement by UNESCO Director General, Audrey Azulay, this year’s celebration should call attention to the essential role of free and professional journalists in producing and disseminating this information, by tackling misinformation and other harmful content.
“In this regard, the media in Nigeria and worldwide needs the necessary freedom and support to be able to play it’s expected role in properly informing and educating the public.
“Hence, the information people get should be empowering and lifesaving for public good not harmful to individual and corporate existence,” Otufodunrin said.
Established in April,1998, JFC International has continued to demonstrate commitment towards reconciling the media to God by promoting Christian ethics in journalism practice in line with its vision.
