First female Professor of Mass Communication in Sub-saharan Africa, Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna has challenged journalists to key into modern trends as they constitute the elite of the society.
She reminded the media that they were the oxygen of democracy without which democracy ceased, insisting they must do their work unhindered.
Okunna spoke during the end of year party of the Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union Of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council where some of her benefactors who stood by them over the years were honoured.
Among those honoured were Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Charles Esimone, Acting Registrar of the Federal Polytechnic Oko, Chief Obini Onuchukwu who was once chairman of the Chapel and the Transition Committee Chairman of Onitsha South local council area, Chief Emeka Orji.
Delivering her paper titled: ‘Evolution of modern journalism: Challenges and Opportunities’ Okunna, who doubled as keynote speaker and mother of day traced the growth of the media from ancient time when media began with books, before transforming to newspapers, magazines, radio and television.
“It was the birth of social media that made the power of the media awesome. With its agenda setting, conferment of status and gate keeping media give direction that the society follows,” she said.
Chairman of the Chapel, Chief Chuks Ilozue in his address said the Chapel carefully selected the awardees to prove that journalists as agents of national development could be trusted in nation building.
“Contrary to speculations in some quarters, journalists can indeed be trusted and relied upon to keep the society in its best form,” he said
While extolling the three awardees for giving the Chapel a helping hand in times of need and for forging a mutually beneficial relationship, Ilozue however, warned members of the Chapel not to be detracted from playing their role as the watch dog of the society.
“Today, Chapel is celebrating three things in one: friendship, mentorship and achievements of members who excelled in the the profession,” he said.
Chairman of the occasion and national vice president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo World wide, Ichie Damian Okeke Ogene commended the Chapel for its roles in keeping the society in check adding that he has a long standing relationship with Journalists.
He noted that Ohanaeze Ndigbo is for the peace and progress of Igbo people and urged Igbo to give it maximum support.
Also speaking, Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Mr. Christian Aburime urged journalists to always balance their report to reflect true position of things.
He noted that much of the information the public rely on emanated from the media and as such, must try as much as possible to ensure accuracy of information they were dishing out.
Earlier, Chairman of Dunukofia Transution Committee, Hon. Augustine Onyemobi who was co-sponsor of the programne spoke extensively on the role of journalists in shaping the society.
He urged journalists not to be deterred in playing the role of gate-keeper through which the society is put in check.
Apart from awards presentation, the event featured cutting of birthday cake by Professor Okunna who many of the journalists passed through as their teacher and mentor.
Members of the Chapel who have excelled in the profession were also recognised. They are: David Eleke of ThisDay, Obinna Odogwu of The Sun, Emma Elekwa of The Nation, Okechukwu Onuegbu of Blueprint and Ikenna Obianeri of The Punch.
