The Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, has enjoined journalists in the country to use their respective medium to promote unity and national cohesion.
Speaking at the official commissioning of Sobi FM 101.9, Ilorin, the governor said recent developments in the country demand that journalists have a rethink on the impact their writings could have on national integration and security and personal integrity of individuals.
Ahmed appealed to the media to always consider national interest and unity in their reportage of “potentially combustible issues”, adding that the imperative of national unity must frequently supersede other interests
He said: “I appeal to the media’s social responsibility and good conscience in calling for a stricter gate-keeping in reportage of potentially combustible issues.
“National interest and imperatives of our unity must frequently supersede the media’s need to hold a mirror to society or its understandable need to turn in profit.
“Considering its reach and ease of access, radio is especially critical in this regard.”
Earlier, the Director-General, Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, Mallam Is’haq Modibbo Kawu, said every broadcasting organization in the country has a responsibility of contributing to national unity and cohesion, adding that any infringement on the law will attract sanction.
In his welcome address, the Chairman Board of Trustees of Sobi FM, Alhaji Lukman Mustapha, said he will use the enterprise to achieve positive social rebirth and restore cherished value system to the communities where the station operates.