NPA APPLAUDS POWERFUL PEN NUJ CHAPEL FOR OBJECTIVE REPORTING OF MARITIME INDUSTRY
Bisi Akingbade
The Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, has commended the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria, MAJAN , for its contribution towards making Apapa and its environ traffic free and safe area in Lagos for ease of doing business.
The Port Manager, Apapa Port Complex, Adebowale Ibrahim Lawal, made this commendation during The Powerful Pen NUJ Chapel Press Week, at MAJAN Secretariat, in Apapa, Lagos, with the theme - 'The Role of Journalism in Nation Building and National Security.'
Lawal, who was ably represented by the Principal Manager, Corporate Affairs, Lagos Port Complex, Hadisa Usman Shuaibu, stated that "Being new in Lagos I think I came when the road is like a Paris (small London). Before, Apapa was a messy area.
"I like new things, peculiar things, rigorous task. So I said I want to come and see Apapa. And when I came honestly it was unbelievable.
"Honestly, if you have not championed it, your resilience, consistency, commitment, dedication in ensuring that the problem that is there, you want it solved. If you have not done that I don't know. Thank you, well done."
She extended the Port management's warm greetings to MAJAN members, as she emphasised the ultimate role of Nigerian Ports Authority.
"We appreciate your importance especially role in telling the stories of shaping the narrative of the Nigeria Maritime industry. Your unrelenting struggles, objective reporting.
"Am so consistent in learning a new thing, each time am craving to see any maritime news on what is new, what is going on, problems," she stated.
Shuaibu noted the standard practice journalists have adopted which is a contributing factor to the growth of the nation's economy.
"We recommended the role of the Powerful Pen Media Chapel," she said.
She advised that journalists should keep up with professionalism and be objective which is very vital, adding that they should leverage on creating a relationship with the society to give them an hedge.
"Thank you so much for acknowledging Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, the role it has been playing and we would not relent. We would continue doing what we can do. It is our statutory functions and we would all flex to it whole heartedly and we are up to the task," she concluded.
The President, Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria, MAJAN, Jerry Aguigbo, earlier in his welcome address stated categorically that the role of journalism ensures that nations are not fractured along lines of religious, ethnic or tribal and other sentiments. He further stressed that journalists ensure that nations' internal secrets are not washed ashore, which can jeopardize their decurity.
Aguigbo said responsible journalism informs the public, provides accurate and timely information about security threats, helping citizens understand the risks and take necessary precautions, and holding authorities accountable.
He noted that investigative journalism can uncover security lapses, corruption, or human rights abuses, promoting transparency and accountability.
He maintained that responsible journalists can counter misinformation,
debunk false information and propaganda and reduce the spread of rumours that might exacerbate security situations.
The MAJAN President added that journalism promotes national unity and encourage public discourse. Responsible journalism supports developmental journalism which covers initiatives and projects that drive economic growth, social progress, and infrastructure development.
