The Kogi All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman, has advocated for adequate compensation for journalists, including insurance coverage, in view of the occupational hazards associated with the practice of journalism.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Friday, the APC candidate commended journalists in Kogi State for their hard work and dedication to ensuring adequate media coverage of activities in the state through various media platforms.
He called on political leaders to recognise the role of the media in promoting democratic values such as freedom, equality, peace, and stability in society.
The APC Governorship candidate Ododo, who extolled the contributions of the mass media and its operatives to the sustenance and well-being of any society, noted that journalists in Nigeria have earned their respectable place as critical stakeholders in the democratic process in the country.
He charged the media to uphold the principles of fairness and balance in reporting issues of interest to the people of the state.
According to Ododo, “As you celebrate the press week, I urge you to uphold utmost responsibility in creating a balanced, fair and unbiased platform for all political parties and their candidates to present their agenda for a united, secure, peaceful and prosperous Kogi state.”
He also called on the media to be wary of purveyors of divisive agendas capable of breaching the peace and unity of the state, adding that those promoting ethnic disharmony in their political campaigns are enemies of Kogi State.
