Catholic Media Practitioners enjoined to uphold Ethics of Journalism

www.odogwublog.com reports that members of the Association of the Diocesan and Religious Directors of Communication of the Catholic Church in Nigeria have been urged to abide by the ethics of journalism profession in the discharge of their duties.

The charge was given by the Episcopal Chairman of the Association of the Diocesan and Religious Directors of Communication of the Catholic Church in Nigeria, Most Reverend Dennis Isizoh, who is also the Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha Catholic Diocese.

The Bishop gave the charge during the first plenary of the Association at Nnokwa, in Idemmili South Local Government Area.

According to the Catholic Prelate, the media should ensure timely report of events to avoid losing credibility.

Bishop Isizoh, reminded the media that competition is high in present media practice, due to the availability of modern gadgets, urging them to use them appropriately.

In a goodwill message, Reverend Father Martin Onukwuba of the Regional Union of Priests of West Africa, raised salient points in the media practice as it pertains the church to include, professionalism and right conduct among the information handlers, which he said are catalysts to the enthronement of peace, equal rights and justice.

The State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr Emma Ifesinachi, commended the Catholic Church for its exploits in the Print Media, calling on them to equally concentrate and explore broadcast media.

Contributing, the Onitsha Archdiocesan Director of Social Communications, Reverend Father Pius Ukor while welcoming participants drawn from various Catholic Dioceses across the country, urged them to take advantage of the security provided by Governor Willie Obiano to explore possible opportunities in the State.

Others who spoke during the event including the Director of Social Communications, Awka Diocese, Reverend Father Martin Atansi, among others gave suggestions on how to sanitize the society through accurate information dissemination.

The event which has its theme as, "The truth will set you free, fake news and journalism for peace", commenced with the celebration of a Holy Mass by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Reverend Valerian Okeke.