Use your platforms to strengthen democracy – Shettima urges media

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday implored the media to use their platforms to strengthen the nation’s democracy through constructive journalism and critical thinking.

He spoke in Abuja during the public presentation of a book, “My Life and Journalists Hangout” and the 60th birthday celebration of a veteran journalist, Mr Babajide Kolade-Otitoju.

Our correspondent reports that Kolade-Otitoju, the author of the book is the current Director of News of Television Continental (TVC).

“Society is destroyed not by the absence of ideas, but by the absence of men and women with the courage to interrogate ideas.

“It is destroyed by the absence of men and women to test the ideas against reasoning and ask the difficult questions that safe a people from the seduction of easy answers,” he said.

Shettima said that the measure of every democracy is not in the rituals of elections alone or the architecture of institutions, but in the sensibility and sensitivity of the media.

“Democracy depends on a media culture that knows when to probe, when to warn, when to illuminate, and when to restrain itself from becoming an accomplice to confusion.

“Everything deteriorates when left unquestioned. Power deteriorates. Public institutions deteriorate.

” National conversations deteriorate. Even truth itself can be crowded out when falsehood is allowed to roam unchallenged.

” The media at its finest, is not a theatre of noise; It is a republic of conscience,” he said.

The vice president extolled the celebrant ‘s contributions to journalism and critical thinking, saying with his popular television programme, “Journalists Hangout,” he has nurtured a tradition of critical engagement in Nigeria.

“Today, as we celebrate your 60th birthday and the public presentation of your book, we honour the substance you have poured into those years.

“We honour a craft you have dignified, a platform you have elevated, and a tradition of critical engagement you have helped nurture in our country.

“We also honour your decision to write, to remember, and to leave behind a record of a life spent in the service of thought,” he said.

The Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum, Gov. Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara also extolled the qualities of the celebrant.
He commended the media for its patriotic contributions to democracy and development in the country.

The book reviewer, Prof. Kyari Mohammed, said the nine-chapter book captures Kolade-Otitoju’s professional career and vocation as a journalist traversing the print and broadcast worlds.

He added that the book showcase the depth of his expertise and impact of his contributions to knowledge and practice in Nigeria and beyond.

“My life and Journalists Hangout” is an outstanding account of the author’s view of politics and governance, the practice of journalism.

“I recommend the book to policy makers, practicing journalists and administrators in both the public and private sectors,” he said.

Similarly, the former Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Malam Danladi Bako, extolled the qualities of Kolade-Otitoju, describing him a courageous professional.

He commended the vice president for honouring the celebrant and, by extension, all journalists and the journalism profession.

In separate remarks, presidential spokesman, Mr Sunday Dare; popular broadcaster Mr Gbenga Aruleba, and Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa hailed the celebrant for his contributions to journalism and democracy.