COTONOU: The Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), has charged Journalists to ensure that their reportage has the national interest embedded.
Amb. Buratai made this charge while playing host to members of the Information Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council and Young Media Practitioners of Nigeria (YOMPON), in his office in Cotonou, the Benin Republic capital.
“I am happy to see you here. Our responsibility here is to safe guard our people here and to ensure our business goes seamless.
“Generally, things may look simple, but if you are not tough, that simple thing that you underrate may not work. Yes we are not yet there. But there is hope and the president is doing a lot and I believe he will leave the country better than he met it”.
“Nigeria is blessed, and we have vibrant Journalists in the continent. But at times, they can be very tough and as such they make you tough or tougher”
“Journalists as they say are the watchdogs of the society, and as such, every action you take is very important. You are to set the agenda for national development for progress”, he added
The Ogun State Journalists who were on a 4 day exchange retreat with their counterpart from the Benin Republic had a short visit to the Nigeria house on Tuesday.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Information Chapel of the Union, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju lauded the efforts of the former Chief of Army staff in combatting the insecurity in the country, adding that his wealth of experience will suffice in cementing a good relationship with Nigeria and its neighbor, Benin Republic.
Comrade Olanrewaju added that Journalists should not be seen in bad light, rather should be seen as partners in progress for national development.
“We use this opportunity to call on President Muhamadu Buhari to step up actions on how to stem the tide of kidnapping, using your closeness to him to help us achieve this.
“You are a man who looks so simple and humble but have the tenacity to achieve much in your new position”.
