Former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has charged Nigerian journalists to always adhere to the time-tested values of integrity, professionalism, and speaking truth to power in their reportage.

He stated this, yesterday, in Lagos at the public presentation of a book, ‘A Reporter and His Beat’ written by Yinka Fabowale.

He said Fabowale, who covered Ekiti State during his first term in office distinguished himself as a professional during that period. He charged other journalists to avoid sentiments whether the subject of their reportage was about a friend or a foe, but to be professional in their duties.

“What Yinka Fabowale brought out in this book is that journalists should continue to commit themselves to time-tested values of integrity of professionalism, of speaking truth to power regardless of whether you are dealing with friends or foes.

“Fabowale had many friends among them, but he still had to cover them and cover them professionally; those lessons are time-tested, and they are still relevant at this period. It is even more difficult for mainstream journalists because they are competing with fake news pushed out by non-citizen and non-professional journalists who are not accountable to anyone. Unfortunately, some professional journalists have now found themselves in situations where they now regurgitate what is being pushed out by these non-professional journalists.”

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He described the book as a must read for all journalists and students of journalism and mass communications.

“The book is a comprehensive compendium, it may not be an organised and codified how to practise journalism handbook, but it speaks to the right ethics and values of the profession. This is a journalist who has traversed many segments of print journalism and now in the twilight of his career by publishing his own News speak.

“He speaks to the challenges of relationship building, standing on what you believe in focusing on professionalism and integrity, for me the book is a necessary compendium for cub reporters. The book also shows where the irrepressible spirit of Nigeria’s journalism comes from, so it is a necessary compendium.”

Chairman of the occasion and former Ogun State governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, represented by Gbenga Adefaye, noted that the book is not just a documentary of Fabowale’s experience, but also a guide to new reporters and those who intend to practise journalism.

Guests at the book presentation included Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, represented by Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, senator representing Oyo South, Kola Balogun, senior journalists including Managing Director / Editor-in,Chief, The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, and Mr. Dare Babanrisa.