Senator Magnus Abe, has tasked journalists on the need to re-evaluate the journalism profession in order to prevent it from going into extinction.
Abe gave the charge when he led his ‘Project SMA 2023’ team on a condolence visit to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, where he met with her members and members of the Independent Newspaper Publishers Association of Rivers State, RIVPA, over the death of some members of the various Associations.
Speaking at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, on Thursday, the former member of the National Assembly, who represented Rivers East Senatorial District, said that the journalism profession was too important to the society for it to go into extinction. He expressed dismay at the decay in the profession which has led to publication of halfbaked newspapers and journal, riddled with errors.
He recalled the golden days when newspaper editors would publicly apologise for grammatical errors made and wondered how the media profession has lost its glory.
Senator Abe, reiterated that the call has become imperative due to the critical role the profession play in forming public opinion and setting agenda.
The former commissioner for information in Rivers State added that people who are struggling for their daily bread are looking for opportunities to also reap the reward of their struggles. He however regretted that some of those dying would not have died if there were better opportunities for them to reap the fruits of their labour.
While explaining that a better society will make people to live longer, Senator Abe emphasized that the society must be organized in such way that would enable people to make money without cutting corners.
He noted that the quest for a better society has led to the formation of ‘Project SMA 2023’, that will give birth to an all inclusive government that will eradicate all known challenges, if elected as the next governor of Rivers State.
The bereaved families were given monies to cushion the effects of the sudden demise of the journalists and Publisher, who were breadwinners in their various homes.
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