Presidential Aspirant Charges Journalists On Devt Reporting

By Faith Olayinka

Prof. Kingsley Moghalu

A presidential aspirant in the forthcoming general elections and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Prof Kingsley Moghalu, has challenged the Nigerian media to focus more on development journalism rather than purse fame and money.

.Ikechukwu Amaechi, The convener

Delivering a speech at the Fourth edition of the anniversary event of Niche Newspaper in Lagos, Moghalu said a recourse to development journalism, would make those in the corridors of power to sit up and make the much desired impact in the lives of the people.

According to him, the tag of Fourth Estate of the Realm for which the press is known is not for nothing, but an indication of the power that the media wields.

Media practitioner, he advised, should rise up to the challenge of getting more engaged in development-oriented reporting so the Nigerian society could become better.

The anniversary lecture was titled “Development Reporting and Hysteria Journalism in Nigeria.”, and was chaired by the Presidential candidate of KOWA party in 2015 and a university don, Professor Remix Sonaiya.

It presented an opportunity for a team of experts from different fields of endeavour- the academis, media, politics and economy – to join issues.

The discussants included Prof Fred Aja Agwu, a senior researcher at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) who is also a journalist, author and international affairs expert;  Mrs. Funke Egbemode, Managing Director, New Telegraph and President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors; Mr. Obinna Nwosu former Group Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank and a development expert.

Also in attendance was  Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda and former Judicial Editor of The Guardian; Mr. Kola Ologbodiyan, National Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a former Editor with THISDAY newspapers and Chief Joe Igbokwe, Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who is also a publisher and public affairs commentator.

Highlights of the event were the unveiling of The Niche Foundation for Development Journalism, a show of support for Professor Moghalu in his presidential aspirations and a reorientation of journalists about development reporting.