The new executive of the Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ) of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu has been inaugurated with members urged to uphold ethical and responsible journalism practice.
The Executive Director of Media Career Development Network, (MCDN) Mr Lekan Otufodunrin and Executive Director of African Foundation for Young Media Professionals (AYMP), Mr Yinka Olaito who spoke at the inauguration emphasised the importance of ethical journalism, responsibility and the role of journalists in the developing the society.
In his keynote address, Mr Otufodunrin highlighted the role of journalism in developing society, emphasizing the need for journalists to properly inform, educate, and entertain.
“You need to be informed to inform others,” he said adding there they must make conscious efforts to avoid misinforming or dis-informing their audience.
He stressed the importance of understanding the basics of the profession, fact-checking, and backing up reports with evidence.
Mr. Olaito’s address focused on ethical campus journalism, emphasizing fairness, truthfulness, transparency, accountability, and upholding accuracy and integrity.
He discussed navigating sensitive topics, protecting sources and whistleblowers, and avoiding conflict of interest stories.
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“Whatever you do, consider finishing your course as very important by practising within the limits of the law and regulations of your institution,” he advised.
The role of the executive according to Mr Olaito includes hold the school authority accountable with a sense of responsibility, uphold journalistic ethics and integrity and engaging with the community and build positive relationships.
He also advised them to organize events and workshops to educate and engage the community, manage resources effectively and secure funding.
The newly inaugurated executives led by Ibrahim Irewole pledged to among others serve as the voice of the students of the institution and hold the the school authorities accountable.
The programme was attended by lecturers in the department of Mass Communication, including the Head of Department, Dr Prosper Zannu who commended the union and urged members to live up to expectations.
Otufodunrin donated copies of the 2023 Media Capacity Development Report, his books and other publications to the union.
