National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Taiwo Niyi, KWARA |
Journalists have been reminded of the importance of safety while discharging their duties, as a living journalist is infinitely more effective than a dead one.
This was the charge given by media trainer, Hajia Rafatu Salami, during a three-day training organized by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists in conjunction with the Norwegian Association of Journalists, held at the NUJ press center, Offa Road, Ilorin.
Hajia Salami emphasized that journalists have a collective responsibility, through professional organizations and trade unions, to campaign for safer working conditions for both men and women.
She also urged media owners to work assiduously to reduce the unacceptable rates of death and injury among media workers.
Veteran journalist, Mrs. Christie Doyin, also advised journalists to conduct thorough risk assessments of the scene of an accident before carrying out any investigative reporting. She further emphasized that organizations should provide their workers with safety kits, especially when reporting from war zones.
The training, which aimed to equip journalists with the necessary skills to report safely and effectively, was a timely reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in the line of duty.
Earlier, declaring the program open, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaiye, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary Special Duties, Alhaji Tunde Salami emphasized the importance of paying attention to details, stressing that the training would modernize information dissemination and have a significant impact.
The State Commissioner of Communications, Mrs. Bola Olukoju, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications, Alhaji Yahaya Muhammed, commended the choice of Kwara State and the topic, noting that the state has prioritized women’s empowerment in its policies and programs.
The National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajia Aisha, represented by the National Treasurer, Rasheed Fatimah, highlighted that the training, which began eight years ago, aims to benefit members and improve their reportage on gender-based issues. The Chairperson of NAWOJ, Kwara State Chapter, Ms. Bola Ipinlaye, welcomed participants and emphasized that Kwara State prioritizes women’s empowerment in its policies and programs, including political appointments.
Resource persons, Mrs. Veronica Ogbole and Mrs. Rafatu Salami, explained that the training is being held across all states in the federation to serve as an eye-opener for journalists to improve their reportage on gender-based issues.
The training aims to equip women journalists with the necessary skills to report safely and effectively on gender-sensitive issues, promoting gender equity and safety in the media industry.”
