Media practitioners in the country have been tasked on factual reportage as well as demonstration of patriotism and love for country.
National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Abdulwaheed Odusile, handed the charge at the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter’s 2018 Valentine’s Day Celebration of Couples with the theme: Marriage and Family Values.
Speaking at the programme organised in collaboration with a Non-Governmental Organisation, Helpline Foundation for the Needy, Abuja, Odusile urged journalists to guide against reporting unverified stories.
The national president, who commended the association for the programme, said: “We talk about love always but hardly devote time to it. When you talk about love it’s about service, not about the individual but about the community and society.
“We must learn to love our nation, because Nigeria is all we have, if we ruin the country, we will have nowhere to go. We must work to enhance the image of the country and always think about our neighbours. If you love a person you won’t spread falsehood about the person especially as journalists.”
NAWOJ National President, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole, on her part said that love and affection were the bedrock of humanity and called on women, especially women journalists, to position themselves towards evolving a better community.
Speaking on inter-faith marriage, Founder, Help Line Foundation, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, urged parents in such marriages not to impose any religion on their children.
She encouraged women to work toward financial independence and channel such funds towards their personal development and that of their families, noting that being submissive to their husbands to ensure that love and peace rules in their home should be their ultimate goal.
A former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Anambra state, Barr. Ifeanyi Nwoga, who spoke on Marriage and Family Values, disclosed that a perfect relationship between couples always rob off on their children and reduce the rate of delinquency among the youth.
In her opening remark, Chairperson, NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Stella Okoh-Esene, said the theme was informed by recognition of the important role family plays in the socialisation of children, pointing out that moral decadence among the youth should be a cause for concern to all.
Highlights of the programme include the cutting of the Valentine Cake, presentation of gifts to widows by Helpline Foundation and recognition of some outstanding couples.
