..as Ekungba implores journalists to have second address, develop financial modelling

Journalists have been charged to protect their profession from the emerging threat posed by the influx of unprofessional individuals who venture into journalism through access to digital technology.

Hon. Isaac Kekemeke, Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Postal Service, gave this charge on Tuesday while serving as Chairman of the occasion at the opening ceremony and symposium of the 2025 Press Week organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council.

Addressing the theme of the celebration, “Innovative Pathways for Journalists Amidst Economic and Political Challenges,” Kekemeke noted that social media has become a major threat to journalism and warned that, if not properly addressed, journalists could lose their profession in the future.

According to him, until journalists begin to regulate their profession in the same way lawyers, doctors, and the police do—by not allowing untrained individuals to penetrate—the profession will not earn its deserved dignity.

He described journalism as a serious profession that contributes immensely to national development, stressing that journalists are nobody’s boys and should neither be relegated nor disrespected.

The pioneer state chairman of the All Progressives Congress and former Secretary to the State Government affirmed that journalists play a very important role as gatekeepers between the government and the people but lamented that they often give much and receive little in return.

The NUJ Patron enjoined journalists to desist from the undue promotion of individuals who do not value their work and instead focus on what they do while celebrating themselves.

The guest speaker, Chief Jamiu Ekungba, highlighted notable challenges facing journalism to include inherited archaic practices, political influence, poor welfare packages, ethical dilemmas, and digital errors capable of eroding creativity, which he described as the joy of the profession.

While encouraging journalists to practise with their strengths, he advised them to acquire a second address or skill and urged media organisations to develop sustainable financial models to keep their stations afloat.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the NUJ Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite, affirmed that Ondo State remains the only state in the South-West that still sustains a government-owned newspaper outfit.

He, however, appealed for its transformation into a corporation to secure the future of the workforce.

He applauded the governor for appointing Mr. Kenneth Odusola to lead the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC), describing it as the best appointment in the past 30 years of the organisation’s operations.

While appealing for the consideration of members of the State Ministry of Information for the position of Permanent Secretary, he lauded the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for breaking the jinx by appointing the first Permanent Secretary from the ministry and called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to sustain the tempo.

According to him, some directors in the ministry are more than qualified to be appointed as Permanent Secretaries.

The NUJ Chairman also thanked the governor for approving the construction of a new structure at the NUJ Centre and appealed for prompt action by the Ministry of Infrastructure saddled with the responsibility.

He further appreciated the Minister of Youths for renovating the existing structure at the centre.