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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Press Council, Dr Dili Ezughah, and former Sokoto State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Akibu Dalhatu, have charged the newly launched Eagle Times to uphold objectivity, credibility and truth in its reportage as it joins Nigeria’s media landscape.
They made the call in Abuja on Thursday at the unveiling of Eagle Times, a new media platform founded by media entrepreneur, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, as stakeholders urged the publication to shun sensationalism and subjective reporting.
The launch, held to coincide with Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, also provided an opportunity for the publisher to outline the philosophy and editorial principles that would guide the platform.
Ezughah, in her goodwill message, urged Eagle Times to make a positive difference in the media industry by prioritising objective journalism rather than sensational reportage.
She challenged the platform to report issues as they are and avoid allowing subjectivity to influence its coverage.
Dalhatu, in his goodwill message, urged Chukwunyere to use the platform to tell legitimate stories and uphold the fundamental responsibility of journalism to society.
He said the unveiling of the platform on Independence Day was symbolic and should reinforce its responsibility to contribute to a more credible media environment.
“This platform, unveiled on a symbolic date of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, should be used to retire all manner of vices in the media industry and by extension, in Nigeria by using it to say it as it is,” Dalhatu said.
He urged the publication to demonstrate courage in reporting uncomfortable truths while exercising restraint in giving prominence to what he described as comfortable lies.
“Courage must be demonstrated by the platform to report uncomfortable truth and restraint must also be demonstrated from reporting comfortable lies,” he said.
In his comments, Chukwunyere said the publication would remain committed to journalism rather than vested interests, with a philosophy of serving as “a voice for the Nigerian people and watchdog for the nation.”
He said the responsibility of being a voice for Nigerians meant listening to their concerns, telling their stories and drawing attention to issues affecting their daily lives.
“Those words carry a responsibility. To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.
He said the platform’s watchdog role would also require it to question decisions, demand accountability and scrutinise public officials regardless of their political affiliation, social status or influence.
“To be a watchdog for the nation means that we must ask questions, demand accountability and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibility, regardless of their political affiliation, social status or influence,” Chukwunyere said.
He assured that Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism.
“We will not publish simply because a story is sensational. We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.
Chukwunyere further pledged that the platform would give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he stressed.
