Democratic principles in a diverse nation like Nigeria are not measured only during elections, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma said in Abuja. They must be upheld throughout every tenure of leadership, across all institutions and by every citizen.
He delivered the 3rd Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture on Sunday, 25 October, speaking on “Media, Democratic Consolidation and Development.” He described the media as a critical driver of accountability. While shaping public discourse and advancing national development, he said, it must stay grounded in facts and figures and maintain high standards of professionalism and responsibility.
The Raymond Dokpesi Annual Lecture
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and DAAR Communications Plc organised the event. It was instituted to immortalise the late Dokpesi, who pioneered independent broadcasting in Nigeria by founding DAAR Communications in 1994.
Before he established Ray Power FM and African Independent Television (AIT), Nigerian broadcasting was largely under government control. He died on 29 May 2023.
The organisers picked Uzodimma for his grasp of the theme, his performance in office and his relationship with Dokpesi. For Uzodimma, the lecture also offers a platform to advance the professionalism, patriotism and accountability that define responsible journalism.
Proposals
Uzodimma stressed that democracy goes beyond elections every four years and requires strong institutions and accountability.
He proposed a three-way pact between government, the media and citizens to enable the media to drive national development. He also proposed a national media centre in Dokpesi’s honour, a research hub for development journalism.
He warned that economic vulnerability among practitioners and proprietary interests could erode the media’s credibility and independence.
