Birnin Kebbi – A former Director-General of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) , Alhaji Usman Magawata, on Monday advised journalists to shun unethical conducts that may mar the nobility of the profession.
Magawata said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi that as watchdogs of the society, journalists must live above board.
According to him, journalism is a noble profession and if practised according to its ethics, the society will be free from exploitation, deprivation and poor leadership.
He condemned the attitude of some journalists who demanded gratification before publishing stories, saying that the act was negatively affecting the profession.
“Journalists should be courageous, determined objective and balanced in their reportorial duties.
“Being confident and truthful are also commendable attributes of good journalists,’’ he said.
On his tenure as the DG of NTA, Magawata said it was challenging and active.
According to him, his tenure witnessed the introduction of many innovations including multi channels services, Star Times television and establishment of 20 additional booster stations nationwide.
Reacting to the recent Abdullahi Fodio Award bestowed on him and 12 other Nigerians by the Gwandu Emirate Development Association, Magawata said: “the award is an energiser, which will further motivate us to redouble our efforts in bringing development to humanity.”
NAN reports that the Gwandu Emirate Development Association (GEDA), had last weekend, launched a book on the history of the emirate and presented awards to 12 illustrious Nigerians.