Imo Journalists adresses Calls for Restructuring Nigeria in annual Convention.

BY UCHECHI KAMALU

This year’s annual Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Imo State Council has kicked off at the NUJ Press Centre, Owerri with lectures with the theme “Clamour for Restructuring Nigeria: Major Concerns and the Media”.

The Chairman of the occasion, and former Commissioner for Information, Tourism and Public Utilities, Chief Chidi Ibe described the theme as unique and called on Journalists to embrace discipline orientation and unity to achieve the desired restructuring.

Chief Ibe maintained that to achieve success, Journalists must first identify the country’s challenges and address them squarely.

The Chairman of the Union, Sir Innocent Igwe said he chose one of the media icons, Professor Okunna to talk from the intellectual perspective while a renowned politician, Chief Carl Azudibia handled it from the political dimension so that journalists could be properly guided in their reportage.

Sir Innocent said by the lectures, Imo Journalists were better informed and equipped to approach the issue of restructuring in the country.

The Chief Guest Lecturer from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in Anambra State, Professor Stella Okunna described the theme as a good choice, adding that the mass media had the power to shape and influence Public Opinions.

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Professor Okunna said for journalists to perform creditably, they must be abreast of the current happenings, be knowledgeable and well read as well as be open to new ideas.

The second resource person, Chief Carl Azudibia who dwelt more on the historical background of Nigeria stated that the country was laid on a faulty foundation and pointed out there was need for it to be corrected through restructuring to achieve the desired development.

Chief Azudibia who highlighted some of the ill treatment melted out on the Igbos noted that the agitation for restructuring of Nigeria started way back before independence and stressed the need for the adoption of the 1963 constitution.

He encouraged the media to build a national concensus of what restructuring is and enlighten the public on the need for it, insisting that restructuring is better than disintegration.

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The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Everest Ezeigbo thanked the resource persons for their lectures describing them as knowledgeable.

The Resource persons were later presented with awards in recognition of their excellence in mass media and public service.