By Bode Olagoke
Abuja
Catholic Media Practitioners of Nigeria (CAMPAN) Northern region chapter has challenged the Nigeria Inter- Religious Council (NIREC) to step up its responsibility and be more proactive in promoting the ideals and objectives of the government.
The two leaders of the major religions in the country were also tasked to ensure the promotions of religious harmony by encouraging their followers to also have a knowledge of the faith, teachings and doctrines of each other’s religions and live, operate within the tenets and teachings of these religions.
A communiqué issued at the end of CAMPAN 4th regional conference held in Jos said it was high time religious and political leaders should always preach and promote peace rather than hatred religious and ethnic differences.
They said dialogue had a very important role to play in addressing the societal challenges Nigerian society, and called on Nigerians of diverse backgrounds to learn to co-exist with one another, irrespective of religious, political and socio-economic differences, promote peace and eschew hatred.
“Journalists and media professionals should always engage in balanced, objective and truthful reportage of events, and guided by patriotism in respect of news that are fundamental to the promotion of peace and harmony in the country. This will to a large extent encourage news makers and the people to have confidence in their professional ability and competence as they presently do with reporters of the foreign media.
“The media has a significant role to play in the building of a virile Nigerian nation and sustainable democracy, by spear heading the success of the forthcoming 2015 general elections, by adequately informing and educating the people on how to discharge their civic duties, before, during and after the elections.”
