By Nkechi Eze
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on journalism veterans, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Guild of Editors to work together to restore professionalism, ethical standards and dignity to journalism practice in Nigeria.
Dabiri-Erewa made the call in response to a write-up by Mr. Livinus Chibuike Victor on the challenges confronting journalism in the country, acknowledging his concerns over the declining standards in the profession but describing his demand for an apology as misplaced.
According to an official statement signed by NiDCOM Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa urged Victor to focus on collaborating with experienced journalists and trained professionals to address the challenges facing the industry rather than seeking an apology.
She recalled her time in the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2015, when she served as Chairman of the House Committee on Media and championed the introduction of the Journalism Enhancement Bill in 2010.
According to her, the proposed legislation was designed to establish standards that would strengthen journalism as a profession and ensure that practitioners possessed the necessary training and qualifications.
Dabiri-Erewa argued that, unlike professions such as medicine, law and accountancy, journalism lacked clearly defined entry requirements, making it possible for individuals without formal training or certification to claim professional status.
She regretted that the proposed legislation was resisted by those expected to support it, adding that the erosion of professional standards had continued to undermine the dignity and credibility of journalism in Nigeria.
The NiDCOM chief executive stressed that the challenges identified by Victor required collective action by practitioners, particularly veterans with the experience and influence to champion ethical conduct and responsible reporting.
She also acknowledged the role journalism played in shaping her career, recalling the training and mentorship she received from lecturers in the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos.
Dabiri-Erewa said she would be willing to work with Victor and other industry veterans committed to addressing the challenges confronting journalism and restoring public confidence in the profession.
She urged the NUJ, the Guild of Editors and other media stakeholders not to remain passive while the reputation of the profession continued to suffer, calling for renewed commitment to professionalism, accountability and ethical journalism.
