Wole Arisekola, the Chairman of the Association of Online Media Practitioners, has sent a heartfelt New Year message to all journalists in Nigeria. In his message, he prayed for divine wisdom to guide them in their professional duties and encouraged them to uphold the highest standards of journalism.
In his New Year congratulatory message to his professional colleagues, Arisekola emphasized the importance of prioritizing the country’s interests in their reporting. He urged journalists to focus on stories that contribute to the economic development of Nigeria and to avoid sensationalism that could harm the nation’s progress.
“We must not act as though we are still under our colonial masters,” he stated, highlighting the need for a mindset shift towards national development and self-reliance. He encouraged journalists to be patriotic and responsible in their reporting, ensuring that their work positively impacts society.
Arisekola also addressed media house owners, urging them to prioritize the welfare of their staff. “The welfare of our staff must be our priority this year,” he emphasized. He called on media proprietors to be compassionate and considerate, recognizing the hard work and dedication of their employees. “We must feel the pain of our staff and remember that their family shops are where we shop as well,” he added.
In addition to these points, Arisekola prayed for divine wisdom for his professional colleagues. He believed that such wisdom would enable them to carry out their duties without fear or favor, ensuring fair and balanced reporting.
Arisekola’s New Year message was a call to action for journalists to uphold the highest standards of their profession, prioritize the country’s interests, and support one another in their quest for truth and accountability. His message was not only a reflection of his deep respect for the journalism profession but also a reminder of the critical role journalists play in society.
As part of his message, Arisekola reflected on the challenges faced by journalists and the media industry as a whole. He acknowledged the critical role journalists play in shaping public opinion and holding power to account. He also noted the increasing pressures and risks that come with the job, particularly in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Arisekola highlighted the need for continuous professional development and urged media practitioners to embrace new technologies and innovative approaches to journalism. He stressed the importance of fact-checking and ethical reporting, urging journalists to resist the temptation to prioritize speed over accuracy.
Furthermore, he called for unity and collaboration within the media industry. He encouraged journalists to support one another and share best practices to strengthen the profession as a whole. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity and independence, reminding his colleagues of their responsibility to serve the public interest.
Arisekola concluded his message by reiterating his commitment to supporting the media industry and advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists. He expressed hope for a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead, filled with opportunities for growth and success for all media practitioners in Nigeria.
