NPA Hails Journalists’ Role, Urges Professionalism for Nation Building
Kathy Kyari
The Port Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Debowale Lawal, has urged journalists to uphold professionalism and objectivity, stressing that their work plays a crucial role in strengthening the economy and shaping national development.
Lawal made the call at the Powerful Pen NUJ Chapel Press Week in Apapa, Lagos, themed “The Role of Journalism in Nation Building and National Security.”
Represented by Mrs. Hadisa Usman Shuaibu, Principal Manager, Corporate Affairs, the Port Manager advised journalists to remain professional and build trust with society.
“Journalists should keep up with professionalism and be objective, which is very vital. Leveraging on creating a relationship with society will give an edge,” Shuaibu said.
She also commended the press for amplifying developments in the maritime industry.
“We appreciate your importance, especially your role in telling the stories and shaping the narrative of the Nigerian maritime industry, your unrelenting struggles, objective reporting. Thank you so much for acknowledging Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, the role it has been playing and we would not relent. We would continue doing what we can do. It is our statutory function and we would all flex to it wholeheartedly, and we are up to the task,” she added.
In his welcome address, the President of the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), Mr. Jerry Aguigbo, emphasized that journalism is essential in protecting national unity and safeguarding security.
He said responsible journalism ensures that nations are not “fractured along fine lines” and prevents sensitive information from being mishandled in ways that could compromise security.
“Responsible journalism informs the public. Journalists provide accurate and timely information about security threats, helping citizens understand the risks and take necessary precautions, holding authorities accountable,” Aguigbo noted.
He further stressed that investigative journalism remains vital in exposing security lapses, corruption, and human rights abuses, thereby promoting transparency and accountability.
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