The Senator representing Oyo South District, Kola Balogun has advised media owners to prioritise the welfare of journalists.
Balogun made this known on Thursday while delivering his paper as guest speaker at the World Press Freedom Day organised by Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) B Zone.
According to the lawmaker, it is necessary for media owners and stakeholders should cater for welfare of journalists noting that journalists will cut corners and compromise the standard of objectivity if their welfare is not prioritised.
At the event held at NUJ secretariat were the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Lekan Balogun who was represented by Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadan land, High Chief Amidu Ajibade, President- General elect of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Barrister Adeniyi Adewole, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) leaders of NUJ in the zone and other stakeholders in the industry.
Balogun, while delivering his paper titled “Freedom of expression: A driver for all other human rights”, insisted that attractive remuneration and welfare packages are the way out to address the major challenges facing journalists in the country.
He also advised that personal security of the practitioners should be guaranteed.
He remarked that if media practitioners’ welfare is not a priority, journalists will cut corners and compromise the standard of objectivity.
Balogun said, “Attractive remuneration and welfare packages are the way out. Media educational institutions must be well funded and personal security of the practitioners be guaranteed.
“Freedom of expression and freedom of the media are Siamese Twins. Media are only free when there is a deliberate attempt to ensure that freedom of expression is guaranteed in human societies.
“Media is a platform for wide-ranging debates on war and peace as well as freedom from tyranny. Freedom of expression and media are what we need to strengthen our democracies and tear down the walls of Tyranny and bad governance across the globe.”