Gamawa calls journalists to uphold integrity, nation-building in Nigeria

 

The media must do more than inform it must inspire unity, demand justice, and help Nigerians see beyond their ethnic and religious lines.

This were the strong message at the recently held annual memorial lecture of late Lateef Kayode Jakande, where journalists were called upon to become champions of national reconciliation, civic education, and value-driven reporting.

 

Nigerian Guild of Editors Hosts Memorial Lecture

Organized by The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) with the theme: “Journalism and the Challenges of Nation Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society.”

Dr. Aminu Hassan Gamawa on behalf of Senator Bala Mohammed, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State charged the Nigerian press to rise above mere reporting and become active participants in nation-building.

“The media must be more than observers; they must become protectors of our democracy and promoters of justice.”

Rule of Law Is Not Just for Judges

Gamawa emphasized that the rule of law is not only the domain of judges and lawyers. Journalists, too, have a duty to ensure that justice is upheld and that the rights of citizens are protected.

“When court rulings are ignored or violated, the media must not be silent.

When citizens are denied access to their legal rights, the media must ask the hard questions,” the speaker declared.

Journalists Encouraged to Scrutinize Character Over Charisma

Journalists were encouraged to dig deeper into electoral coverage not just following popularity polls, but highlighting character and competence.

“Scrutinize those seeking office. Character must count more than charisma.”

 

Media Positioned as Bridge for National Healing

In a nation fractured by tribal, religious, and regional differences, the Gamawa positioned the media as a bridge.

“We need reconciliation summits. We need open, honest dialogue.

And the media must be at the center of it all,” he said.

He also advocated for the promotion of indigenous languages as a tool for unity and understanding.

According to him, learning each other’s languages can help break barriers and create empathy across ethnic lines.

“Let us speak each other’s language—literally. Language is the doorway to understanding,” he urged.

Press Must Address Its Own Broken Windows

In a candid moment, the chief of staff turned the mirror inward, challenging the press to address corruption and complacency within its own ranks. “We must fix our own broken windows.

The media must stop turning a blind eye to its own failings. Integrity starts at home.”

Diversity as Strength and Pathway to Productivity

Referencing Nigeria’s size and diversity, the Gamawa noted that these attributes should be national strengths, not sources of division.

“India and China are diverse nations. Yet they have turned that diversity into engines of progress.

Nigeria can do the same if we have the right leadership, and the right mindset.”

He added that Nigeria must stop being merely a consumer market and instead focus on becoming a producer economy, stressing the need for productivity across all sectors.

Call to Build a Shared National Ethos

Echoing the vision of Martin Luther King Jr., Gamawa called on journalists to help foster a national identity rooted in values rather than tribe or religion.

“Let’s build a Nigeria where a child is not judged by where they come from or what they worship, but by the content of their character and their willingness to serve,” he said.

This shared ethos, he explained, must be built on justice, meritocracy, and respect for life and labor.

“We must stop being a federation of tribes and start being a nation of citizens. The press can help drive that transformation.”

Borno’s Inclusive Leadership as an Example

To illustrate the power of inclusive policy, Gamawa referenced Borno State, where leaders have deliberately avoided religious and ethnic biases in appointments and programs leading to relative peace and cooperation.

“When people feel seen, included, and respected, they fight less and build more,” he noted.

 

A Final Word of Encouragement to Journalists

The speaker closed with words of praise and encouragement, urging journalists to remain unwavering in the face of pressure, temptation, and cynicism.

“You must be the last men and women standing. Even when others fall, the Nigerian press must rise for truth, for justice, and for the future of this country.”

He also paid tribute to the family of the late Lateef Jankade’s damily, commending them for continuing his legacy of service. “Power is not in the office you occupy. It is in what you do with it.”

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