Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, at the weekend reflected on the role of the media in strengthening democracy in Nigeria, with the verdict that the fourth estate of the realm has performed creditably.
But he warned that obstacles placed in the way of the media may erode its credibility, especially in sustaining its neutrality and freedom.
He listed the impediments as economic vulnerability among practitioners, proprietary interests and censorship.
The governor spoke in Abuja while delivering the 3rd Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture, titled “Media, Democratic Consolidation and Development”.
While the governor agreed that the media had helped to deepen democracy and hasten development since the return of democratic governance in 1999, he noted that the multiplication of media platforms also placed greater demands on professional standards, economic independence and the credibility of journalism.
He said that because the Nigerian journalist faced immense pressure in the discharge of his responsibilities, there was a need to confront the challenges that could limit the media in the performance of its constitutional role of “enshrining democracy and driving development in the process”.
According to Uzodimma, interference by proprietors, economic vulnerability, safety concerns and a harsh working environment were great impediments that should be confronted if the media is to continue to excel in its role.
He advocated a tripartite arrangement among the government, media practitioners and citizens towards enhanced media performance that would accentuate democracy and consolidate development.
Uzodimma, who is Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, praised the late Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi for his foresight in pioneering private broadcast ownership in Nigeria.
Describing Dokpesi as a trailblazer, the governor noted that before the media mogul established Ray Power FM and African Independent Television (AIT), the broadcast media was largely under government control.
He said both stations founded by Dokpesi had contributed to the growth of the Nigerian economy through job creation, the stimulation of advertising and broadband infrastructure, and the promotion of Nigerian culture to the world.
He said that because it was generally acknowledged that Dokpesi helped widen the space for independent broadcasting in Nigeria, he deserved to be recognised as one who contributed to widening democracy in the country.
He described the annual memorial lecture as a starting point, but challenged the country and media practitioners to do more to immortalise him.
“The best tribute we can pay to his memory is to protect that media freedom and ensure that the journalism practised under it remains worthy of public trust. We should also take the lead by building a national media centre in his honour,” Uzodimma declared.
