The Special Adviser to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State on Strategy, Malam Saad Salaudeen, has tasked Nigerian journalists to hold governments accountable and save the country’s democracy.
He warned against the danger of fake news and quackery in the journalism profession.
Salaudeen recalled that journalists, more than any other profession, fought for the independence of Nigeria and the return of democracy in the country in 1999.
“Journalists are integrity personified and represent the face of integrity,” he asserted.
He was speaking at a reception in honour of three Kwara State journalists awarded the fellowship of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations by the national body in Ilorin.
He said “We represent the best of Journalists in Nigeria in government, I am happy to inform you that starting from my Oga Mr. Adeyipo, Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, is proud of all journalists in Kwara young and old.
“Journalists have the constitutional mandate not only to hold government accountable but to ensure good governance, rescue Nigeria from destabilisation and ensure that Nigeria retains her pride as a proud giant of Africa.
“In human history, the rich don’t make the World. The powerful don’t make the World. Ideas, it is said, rules the World.
“The best of politicians and statesmen recruit the best of journalists and PR practitioners to make a difference in leadership.
The Special Adviser urged the younger generation in the journalism practice to build on the foundation of the veterans.