NPA, SIFAX Laud Powerful Pen NUJ media Chapel For Objective Reportage Of Maritime Industry
NPA, SIFAX Laud Powerful Pen NUJ Media Chapel For Objective Reportage Of Maritime Industry
By Jerry Aguigbo
The Nigerian Ports Authority, (NPA) has praised the Powerful Pen Media Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the maritime Journalists’ Association of Nigeria, MAJAN for their contribution towards making Apapa and its environ traffic free and safe area in Lagos for ease of doing business.
The Port Manager, Apapa Port Complex, Adebowale Ibrahim Lawal, made this commendation during The Powerful Pen NUJ Chapel Press Week, at MAJAN Secretariat, in Apapa, Lagos, with the theme – ‘The Role of Journalism in Nation Building and National Security.’
Lawal, who was ably represented by the Principal Manager, Corporate Affairs, Lagos Port Complex, Hadisa Usman Shaibu, stated that “Being new in Lagos I think I came when the road is like Paris (small London). Before, Apapa was a messy area, traffic wise.
“I like new things, peculiar things, and rigorous tasks. So I said I want to come and see Apapa. And when I came honestly it was unbelievable.
“Honestly, if you have not championed it, your resilience, consistency, commitment, dedication in ensuring that the problem that is there, you want it solved. If you have not done that I don’t know. Thank you, well done.”
She extended the Port management’s warm greetings to the Powerful Pen Media Chapel members, as she emphasised the ultimate role of the Nigerian Ports Authority.
“We appreciate your importance especially your role in telling the stories of shaping the narrative of the Nigeria Maritime industry. Your unrelenting struggles, objective reporting.
“I’m so consistent in learning a new thing, each time I am craving to see maritime news on what is new, what is going on, problems,” she stated.
Shaibu noted the standard practice journalists have adopted which is a contributing factor to the growth of the nation’s economy.
“We commend the role of the Powerful Pen Media Chapel,” she said.
The principal Manager, Lagos Port advised that journalists should keep up with professionalism and objectivity which are very vital, adding that they should leverage on creating a relationship with the society to give them an edge.
“Thank you so much for acknowledging Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, the role it has been playing and we would not relent. We will continue doing what we can do. It is our statutory functions and we would all flex to it wholeheartedly and we are up to the task,” she concluded.
Mr Olatunde Adewola, PR Personnel, SIFAX GROUP who joined The Powerful Pen Media Chapel members at the press week health walk also commended the Powerful Pen Media Chapel for ensuring that stories are written and reported accurately. He stated that the role of the media in nation building is very crucial and cannot be overestimated.
Adewale encouraged journalists to continue in their stead in updating themselves through workshops and training which will in turn shapen and sharpen their reportorial skills.
The President, Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria, MAJAN, Jerry Aguigbo, earlier in his welcome address stated categorically that the role of journalism ensures that nations are not fractured along lines of religious, ethnic or tribal and other sentiments. He further stressed that journalists ensure that nations’ internal secrets are not washed ashore, which can jeopardize their decurity.
Aguigbo said responsible journalism informs the public, provides accurate and timely information about security threats, helping citizens understand the risks and take necessary precautions, and holding authorities accountable.
He noted that investigative journalism can uncover security lapses, corruption, or human rights abuses, promoting transparency and accountability.
He maintained that responsible journalism can counter misinformation,
debunk false information and propaganda and reduce the spread of rumours that might exacerbate security situations.
The MAJAN President added that journalism promotes national unity and encourages public discourse. Responsible journalism supports developmental journalism which covers initiatives and projects that drive economic growth, social progress, and infrastructure development.
The Powerful Pen Media Chapel of NUJ media week was fun-filled with health walk, speech deliveries, poem recitations, dance competition, singing by members and to cap it all lots of yummy foods were served.
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