Pan-Atlantic University Hosts Second Annual Media Roundtable On Constructive Media Engagement In Governance.

Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) held the second version of its annual Media Roundtable occasion, centred across the theme: “Past Critique: The Significance of Constructive Media Engagement in Governance and Nation-Constructing.” The occasion introduced collectively outstanding media leaders, practitioners, college students, lecturers, and varied media stakeholders.

In his welcome deal with, Dr Peter Bamkole, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin) of Pan-Atlantic University, set the tone for the day’s conversations by emphasising the ability of truthful and clear reporting. “What you see, say, and write should be truthful, clear, and dependable. Talking the reality will change the narrative and promote constructive engagement as a substitute of blind criticism,” Dr Bamkole acknowledged.

The occasion featured an enticing panel dialogue led by esteemed media professionals, together with Magnus Onyibe (Public Coverage Analyst and Creator), Fisayo Soyombo (Founder, Foundation for Investigative Journalism -FIJ), Sherriff Quadry (Broadcast Journalist, Nigeria Data), Margaret Agada-Mba (Lecturer, School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University), Jonathan James Lyamgohn (Media Advisor) and Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun (Head of Programmes, Information Central) every providing distinctive insights into the very important function of the media in governance and society. Onyinyechi Aderibigbe of Nigeria Data and Elizabeth Musa of Enterprise Day had been the moderators on the occasion.

Through the panel dialogue, Sherriff Quadry emphasised the demanding nature of journalism, stating that it requires greater than merely figuring out as a journalist. He highlighted the necessity for additional dedication, dedication, and above all, sacrifice. Quadry additionally careworn the important function of a free press in sustaining a functioning democracy, noting that democracy can not survive with out journalists, and with out a free press, it turns into unimaginable. He additional addressed the challenges confronted by Nigerian journalists, asserting that willpower is essential, because the work might be irritating, significantly in a context the place politicians typically really feel they shouldn’t be questioned.

Quadry additionally spoke on the accountability of journalists to make sure that their work positively impacts society, cautioning that stories ought to foster growth somewhat than create chaos. In her contribution, Margaret Agada-Mba questioned the federal government’s view of the media, posing the crucial query: whereas the media strives to accomplice with the federal government, does the federal government contemplate the media a accomplice in nationwide growth?

Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun echoed the sentiment that there needs to be no restraints on the press, arguing that whereas cultural, non secular, and ethnic sensitivities exist, they need to not translate into restrictions on media freedom. She additional underscored the function of journalists as truth-tellers, stating that their accountability is to current information with honesty and transparency. She additional added to the dialogue by stressing the accountability of senior journalists to mentor the following era. “There needs to be an area for the transference of the values that make journalism what it’s,” she stated, underscoring the significance of cultivating moral values in upcoming journalists.

Magnus Onyibe added that if journalists are ever supplied the chance to work with the federal government, they need to guarantee they accomplish that with a transparent conscience, sustaining their integrity within the face of such challenges.

Fisayo Soyonbo addressed the problem of harassment confronted by investigative journalists, highlighting that the answer to such intimidation is extra investigative journalism. “The reply to harassment is extra journalism as a result of the concept of harassment is to get the journalist to cease pursuing the reality,” Soyonbo stated. He emphasised the journalist’s function in uncovering the reality and presenting it to the general public: “The job of a journalist is to dig the reality and launch it.”

Jonathan James Lyamgohn emphasised three key ideas when partaking with the federal government: respect, patriotism, and press independence. “We’re the fourth property of the realm,” he famous, underscoring the very important function of journalists in upholding democracy. He additionally remarked, “Journalism will at all times be difficult, however journalism will at all times be rewarding. Our final employer, past our group, is the individuals.”

The panellists reiterated that journalism is just not merely a occupation however a dedication to reality, transparency, and societal influence. As media practitioners navigate the complexities of reporting in a difficult atmosphere, they need to stay steadfast of their obligation to carry energy accountable, foster optimistic change, and contribute to the expansion of a extra knowledgeable and engaged society.

The occasion known as on each the media and authorities to foster a relationship grounded in mutual respect and the shared aim of nationwide growth whereas preserving the integrity of a free and unbiased press. Via constructive engagement and accountable journalism, the media can proceed to play a pivotal function in making certain accountability and selling the widespread good.

About Pan-Atlantic University (PAU)

Pan-Atlantic University is a famend establishment dedicated to offering world-class training and fostering mental development, creativity, and management in Africa. PAU gives a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and govt education schemes aimed toward equipping college students with the talents wanted to positively influence their communities and industries.

At the moment, Pan-Atlantic University has seven essential items: Lagos Enterprise School (LBS), Enterprise Improvement Centre (EDC), School of Media and Communication (SMC), School of Administration and Social Sciences (SMSS), School of Science and Expertise (SST), Institute of Humanities (IOH), and Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Artwork (YSMA).

For extra info, go to www.pau.edu.ng