Director of Research and Programme Development at the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP), Dr. Godwin Morka, has urged corporate organisations, government bodies, and agencies to treat journalists as critical stakeholders rather than mere recipients of “brown envelopes.”
Speaking during the launch of a book authored by Juliana Francis “We Are Priceless,” Morka expressed his disdain for the use of terms like ‘brown envelope’ and ‘press men’ in corporate practices.
He emphasised that journalists should be accorded the same respect and status given to other critical stakeholders within organisations, complete with the associated benefits, rather than being seen as individuals to be summoned when needed, used, and handed brown envelopes in exchange for desired results.
“Never treat journalists as beggars. Respect them and treat them as partners. Don’t just invite them for press conferences, include them in your programmes, you will be amazed how they will do justice to that story”, said Morka.
Speaking on Francis’ diligence over the years as a crime reporter and a part of the agency, the NAPTIP director stated that journalists affiliated with the agency receive proper training, just like other stakeholders, and they cover NAPTIP events as professionals without seeking any form of compensation. “When we walk together as partners, we become friends for life”, he added.
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