By Angela Atabo
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) have tasked journalists to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics as a tool to project Nigeria’s core values and image.
They made the call during the maiden Press Week organised by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)-NUJ Headquarters Chapel, Abuja with the theme: “The Place of the Media in Shaping and Sustaining National Value” on Wednesday in Abuja.
Dr Ike Neliaku, the NIPR President, said the media has a divine role not just in shaping narratives but in influencing values and behaviour.
Neliaku, represented by Mr Ahmad Sajoh, member of the Governing Council of NIPR, explained that historically, the Church was once the fourth estate, but today, that responsibility rests on the media given the power to shape perception and strengthen Nigeria’s national reputation.
He emphasised the importance of collective national identity and shared values, noting that reputation is more than image; it is the true reflection of a people’s values and behaviours.
He said that beyond the physical symbols of nationhood such as dressing and culture, Nigerians must question whether they truly share common national values.
“At NIPR the most important value we cherish is the reputational value of our country.
“We have set up a Nigerian Reputation Management Group that is going to be holding functions similar to the Nigerian Economic Summit Group to talk about the reputation of this country.
“This is because we need to give ourselves value and our reputational value is our core asset; it is our core value.”
According to Neliaku, Nigeria’s challenge lies in the fact that even crime and social issues are often viewed through ethnic, religious, or regional lenses.
He stressed that for Nigeria to become a great nation, citizens should unite around four shared values of equity, fairness, justice, and inclusion.
“There are just four values that we should have shared as a people and if we share those four values we will build one of the greatest nations on earth.
“We need the values of equity, we need the values of fairness, we need the values of justice and we need the values of inclusion.
“Let man come, let woman come, let young come, let old come. People who are challenged either physically or mentally, we need to also bring them on board,” he said.
According to him, “If we hold these four values dear, we will build one of the greatest nations on earth.
“Let men and women, young and old, people who are physically or mentally challenged, everyone be included. Our collective strength lies in our inclusiveness.”
The NIPR President also announced a historic milestone for Nigeria, revealing that the country would host the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Nov. 2026 for the first time ever with Nigeria hosting over 126 countries.
“This will be our chance to showcase the beauty of Nigeria—our culture, our cuisine, our fashion, our hospitality—and allow the world to see the good side of our country.”
He called on the Nigerian media to partner with NIPR in reshaping the country’s narrative, urging journalists to tell positive stories that reflect the true essence of Nigeria and its people.
Also speaking, the Chairman, NUJ, FCT Council, Grace Ike, encouraged journalists to “change the narrative” and uphold the highest standards of ethical and responsible reporting in order to strengthen national unity and development.
Ikeh also urged media practitioners to move beyond “business as usual” and embrace storytelling that reflect integrity, professionalism, and national values.
“In a world where information is instant and far-reaching, the role of the media in promoting national unity and ethical standards, as well as social cohesion, has never been more critical.
“National values are the foundation of our shared identity and progress. Through responsible journalism, we uphold these values by fostering transparency, accountability, and dialogue.
“We hold our leaders accountable and responsible. We must do everything to amplify their voices and also the voices of the marginalised and celebrate stories that inspire hope and patriotism.
“As journalists, we must continually recommit to integrity, fairness, and professionalism. We must rise above sensationalisation and division, ensuring our work strengthens the moral fabric of Nigeria.”
According to Ikeh, NUJ FCT stands ready to support these values through continuous work.
She commended the NUJ NAN Chapel for initiating the press week and also praised the Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali M. Ali's leadership in steering the agency toward excellence.
The Chairman, NUJ NAN, Headquarters Chapel, Abuja, Collins Yakubu-Hammer, described the media as partners in nation-building whose words, images, and voices influence how the country sees itself.
According to Yakubu-Hammer, the media is more than a messenger; it is a mirror of society and a builder of national identity.
“Through the stories we tell and the issues we highlight, we shape the values that define us; they include honesty, patriotism, national unity, hard work, resilience, love, respect for elders, kindness, discipline, voice of participation, justice, and respect for human dignity.
“In an age where misinformation, disinformation and fake news spreads faster than truth, our role as journalists has never been more critical.
“We must uphold accuracy, fairness, responsibility and the Code of Ethics of the profession by ensuring that our platforms enlighten rather than divide, and strengthen rather than weaken public trust.”
Yakubu-Hammer explained that the Press Week offered journalists the opportunity to reflect, learn, and reaffirm their shared commitment to ethical journalism; the type that would sustain national values and enhance the promotion of public good.
He, therefore, urged journalists to reaffirm their commitment to a media landscape that builds rather than destroys, and the one that inspires citizens to uphold the national values that bind them together as one people. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
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