A communication scholar, Dr Gideon Isika of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, has called on journalists in Nigeria to take a more active role in promoting peace, accountability, and national unity amid the country’s ongoing socio-economic and political difficulties.
He made the appeal while delivering a lecture to mark World Press Freedom Day, themed “Journalists as a Tool for Conflict Prevention and Peace Building.” The event was organised by the Delta Online Publishers Forum in Asaba on Wednesday.
Isika stressed that the media plays a vital role in shaping public opinion, resolving conflicts, and strengthening national cohesion, especially at a time when Nigeria continues to face governance and security challenges.
He expressed concern that the Nigerian media has not fully maximised its influence in driving unity and constructive national dialogue, noting that reporting often remains focused on historical blame rather than solution-driven narratives.
According to him, journalists should move beyond attributing the country’s challenges solely to historical events such as the 1914 amalgamation, and instead focus on content that encourages development and cooperation.
He argued that several countries, including Botswana, Mauritius, Rwanda, South Africa, and Egypt, have achieved notable progress despite difficult beginnings, unlike Nigeria, which continues to struggle with translating its resources into sustainable development.
Citing media scholar Aghalino, Isika observed that the press in Nigeria has often failed to exert sufficient pressure on leaders to ensure transparency and accountability, adding that sections of the media have been influenced by political interests.
He also linked corruption and poor governance to rising insecurity, stating that instability becomes inevitable when public institutions are weakened by mismanagement and exploitation.
Isika further raised concerns about declining editorial independence, alleging that some media professionals are compromised by political patronage, which affects the credibility of journalism.
Despite these challenges, he maintained that journalists remain key agents of change and must recommit themselves to ethical standards and professionalism.
He emphasised that truth, accuracy, and responsible reporting should remain central to the practice of journalism.
“The journalist must report only facts whose sources are verifiable. There should be no suppression of relevant information or distortion of documents,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in the state, Churchill Oyowe, and media aide to the governor, Felix Ofou, urged practitioners to uphold fairness, balance, and professionalism in their reporting.
The Director-General of the State Orientation Bureau, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe, commended journalists for their role in highlighting government activities and policies.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Delta Online Publishers Forum, Emmanuel Enebeli, said the forum, which comprises 50 registered practitioners, organised the lecture to enhance professionalism, promote peace, and encourage accountability in society, adding that the programme would become an annual event.