Reps Deputy Speaker Charges OMPAN To Prioritize Accuracy, Fairness In Reporting, As Union Unveils Secretariat
After nine years of its formation, the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN),Abia State, officially Unveiled it’s State Secretariat today in Umuahia.
In a bid to carry out their activities diligently as the watch dog of the society, the union,acquired a physical space that was facilitated by the Member representing Bende Federal Constituency and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu.
In his speech, the Federal Lawmaker, congratulated the Online Media Association for its Secretariat, which he described as a symbol of the Union’s collective commitment to responsive journalism, serving as a hub for collaboration,knowledge sharing and professional development.
Kalu noted that having a secretariat was pertinent, giving how intricate and vital the media is to the development of the society.
According to him, the media as a watch dog of the society, wears an unparalleled influence in shaping public discourse, informing citizens, holding the bars and as well, being accountable. An authority he referred to be accompanied by a solemn responsibility, to be the purveyors of truth,educators of the masses and the architects of a more equitable society.
He pointed that in a digital age where information spreads and the populace characterize sensationalism over substance, the online media practitioners should steadfastly resist the proliferation of fake news, misinformation and disinformation that pose a great threat to the nation’s democracy and as well, oppose national cohesion and unity.
“I implore you to uphold the highest tenet of journalistic integrity. Give precedence to accuracy, fairness and balance of your reportage.By so doing, you will not only elevate the standard of Journalism in Abia but contribute to the overall development of our nation.
“As Online Media Publishers, your allegiance should be to the truth and betterment of our country. Patriotism is not about raising of flags or singing the National Anthem, but to be pro Nigeria’s progress, committing to actions that unite the nation.As media professionals, you have a unique and powerful platform to do so”,he added.
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The Deputy Speaker, however, urged the OMPAN members to embrace Data driven Journalism in reporting, as the power of data to uncover hidden truth and inform policy decisions can not be over stated. “By leveraging data analytics and visualization, you can provide your audience with the deeper understanding of complex issues and as well,hold those in power accountable for their actions”.
He stated that as Media Practitioners, they have the unique opportunity to be catalyst for positive change, making reference to the words of Nelson Mandela that says,”Education is the most powerful weapon, you can use it to change the world by informing,educating and inspiring your audience”.
Kalu further charged the Association to contribute in building a more equitable and prosperous society, urging them to constantly showcase what the government of Nigeria is doing and also bringing the citizens up to speed to the remarkable achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the last one year.
He stated that if the people were well informed of government activities, the tempo of the ongoing protest would have doused, stressing that a well informed populace is better engaged in a constructive dialogue and collaborations with the government, fostering a more harmonious and progressive society.
Meanwhile, the Lawmaker implored the OMPAN members to strive in creating a media landscape in Abia that is not only informative but transformative, expressing confidence that OMPAN would continue to be a beacon of hope,a channel of truth and a force for positive change.
Earlier in his opening speech,the chairman of the Association in Abia, Comrade Promise Okoro, expressed gratitude to the Deputy Speaker for his support to the association, praising him for his laudable feat in the House of Representatives,most especially in facilitating the passage of the South East Development Commission Bill to Law.
He said his pragmatism and tenacity in the discharge of his duty, is to the admiration of all, urging him not to relent.
Contributing,the Director of ABN TV/Radio, Ifeanyi Okali, praised Kalu for his media-friendly approach, stating that he is always open to conversations and has made significant contributions to the growth of OMPAN in Abia State.
Also, the Publisher of Ojemba Magazine, Victor Nwokocha, appreciated the Deputy Speaker for his immense support to OMPAN.
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Nwokocha disclosed that the presence of Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu to the unveiling ceremony of the OMPAN’S Secretariat, signifies a deconstruction of the erroneous impression harboured by many who perceive online media practice as an unserious or unprofessional venture.
“Your presence here to unveil the OMPAN Abia Secretariat sends a clear message to everyone that online media practice is an essential and noble component of journalism and should be respected as such”.
He assured the Deputy Speaker that the association would continue to uphold the ethical values of journalism and as well, use their various platforms to help in building, uniting, and uplifting the nation. While thanking the Lawmaker for his humility, friendship and accessibility, he commended the Deputy Speaker for his commitment towards bringing peace and development to the South East.
Highpoint of the event was the official unveiling of the OMPAN’S Secretariat.Present at the event included, the member representing South East at the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and former federal House of Representatives Member, Hon Sam Onuigbo,Rt Hon Sunday Ohajuruka, the former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Martins Azubuike, former Bende Local Government Chairman,Hon Emmanuel Onwuchekwa, among others.
