PAU Media Roundtable Highlights Role of Free Press in Democracy
Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) held its second annual Media Roundtable, themed “Beyond Critique: The Importance of Constructive Media Engagement in Governance and Nation-Building.” The event gathered media leaders, students, and academics to explore the media’s vital role in shaping governance and promoting societal progress.
In his welcome address, Dr. Peter Bamkole, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin) of PAU, highlighted the power of truthful and transparent reporting. “What you see, say, and write must be truthful, transparent, and reliable. Speaking the truth will change the narrative and promote constructive engagement instead of blind criticism,” he noted.
A panel of renowned professionals, including Magnus Onyibe, Fisayo Soyombo, Sherriff Quadry, Margaret Agada-Mba, Jonathan James Lyamgohn, and Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun, shared their insights on the media’s role in governance and nation-building.
Key Panel Insights:
Sherriff Quadry: Journalism Requires Dedication and Sacrifice
Sherriff Quadry, a prominent broadcast journalist with Nigeria Info, spoke passionately about the challenges and rewards of journalism. He emphasized that simply identifying as a journalist is not enough; it demands an extraordinary level of commitment, dedication, and sacrifice. Quadry stressed that journalism plays a fundamental role in maintaining a healthy democracy. “Without journalists, democracy cannot survive, and without a free press, it is impossible,” he said. He also pointed out the challenges journalists face in Nigeria, especially the resistance from politicians who feel they shouldn’t be questioned. Despite these frustrations, Quadry insisted that journalists must persevere and continue holding those in power accountable. For him, journalism is not just about reporting but ensuring that each story positively impacts society. He warned that sensationalism or inflammatory reporting could lead to chaos, rather than fostering national development.
Margaret Agada-Mba: The Government’s Perception of the Media
Margaret Agada-Mba, a lecturer at Pan-Atlantic University’s School of Media and Communication, raised a critical point about the relationship between the media and the government. She questioned whether the government truly sees the media as a partner in national development, despite the media’s efforts to collaborate. Agada-Mba highlighted the media’s dual responsibility: to report objectively on the government while also contributing positively to national development through constructive criticism. She argued that for the media to fulfill this role, the government must acknowledge its value and work collaboratively with journalists rather than view them as adversaries. Her thought-provoking question—“Does the government consider the media a partner in national development?”—sparked a larger discussion on the need for mutual respect and understanding between both entities.
Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun: Defending Press Freedom and Mentoring Future Journalists
Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun, Head of Programmes at News Central, passionately defended the importance of press freedom. She argued that while cultural, religious, and ethnic sensitivities are real, they should not become excuses to limit the press. Adeleru-Balogun insisted that journalists must tell the truth and provide honest, transparent reporting, regardless of potential pushback. She also addressed the importance of mentorship in the industry, stressing that senior journalists must actively guide the next generation of media professionals. “There has to be space for the transference of values that make journalism what it is,” she remarked. Adeleru-Balogun called for a stronger focus on cultivating ethical journalism, ensuring that the core values of integrity, transparency, and objectivity are passed down to younger journalists entering the profession.
Fisayo Soyombo: Investigative Journalism in the Face of Harassment
Fisayo Soyombo, the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), spoke about the importance of investigative journalism, especially in societies where corruption and power abuse are prevalent. Soyombo addressed the growing trend of harassment and intimidation faced by investigative journalists in Nigeria, asserting that the only effective response is to do more investigative work, not less. “The answer to harassment is more journalism,” he said, highlighting that attempts to silence journalists only underline the need for greater truth-seeking. Soyombo emphasized that journalists should remain undeterred, knowing that their work exposes corruption, holds power accountable, and fosters societal change. He concluded by reiterating the central role of journalism in uncovering and releasing the truth for the public’s benefit, despite the inherent risks.
Jonathan James Lyamgohn: Respect, Patriotism, and Press Independence
Jonathan James Lyamgohn, a media consultant, emphasized three key principles when engaging with the government: respect, patriotism, and press independence. He reminded journalists of their unique role as the “fourth estate of the realm,” a vital pillar that supports democracy by ensuring transparency and accountability. “Journalism will always be challenging, but it will also always be rewarding,” Lyamgohn noted, speaking to both the personal and societal importance of the profession. He stressed that journalists serve the public first and foremost, not just their media organizations. He urged the audience to remain steadfast in their pursuit of truth and to ensure that their reporting reflects respect for both the government and the people, while also maintaining the independence necessary to hold power accountable.
The event concluded with a call for constructive engagement between the media and the government, stressing that responsible journalism plays a crucial role in fostering accountability and national progress.
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