Media and national unity

FROM time immemorial, the media have been playing a vital role at educating and informing the public before the creation of the print and electronic media, the use of town criers, music, among others, have been major avenues for reaching large number of people, especially from leaders to their subjects.

Media of today playing an outstanding role in creating, shaping public opinion and strengthening the society. Media acts as watchdog to protect public interest against malpractices and create public awareness.

Today, the media have become as essential as our daily needs. The media have a greater responsibility as the fourth pillar of democracy to act against the injustice, oppression, misdeeds and partiality of our societies.

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There are some issues and conditions believed to be working against the unity of Nigeria as a nation, it includes dependence on one major source of revenue from a section of a country, which logically profiles other sections as parasitic, manipulation of a section, religious and ethnic sentiments and sensibilities of Nigerians by the political class.

The slow death of nationalistic  and patriotic spirit in the  hearts  and minds  of Nigerians is evident of perennial  indifference  to Independence Day Celebration, a succession of failed government economy and widening gulf between the have and have not.

The role of the media in sustaining national unity cannot be over-emphasised. Nigeria’s unity is being threatened and the discordant voices are getting louder and more vociferous. Journalists must be painstaking in their reportage towards ensuring balanced presentation of stories and event in such a way that truth will not be lost.

The media must not put the cart before the horse while trying to set agenda or mediate where conflict erupts, instead, it would be expected that issues are treated and reported with the prominence they deserve. Also as fourth estate of the realm, the media are expected to discharge their duties within their assigned proximity with absolute sense of professionalism.

The media should be allowed to perform their roles with minimal or no interference in order not to devalue or undermine its capabilities. We must note that the media are the bridge between the government and the governed, an indicative of the importance the media possess.

Gafar Alabi

Ogun State.