"Verify Your Stories, Uphold Ethics": Anambra HoS Charges Female Journalists During NAWOJ Visit

The Head of Service, Anambra State, Ngozi Anuli, Esq., mni, has urged female journalists to uphold the ethics of journalism and prioritize factual reporting in their reportage, warning that unverified stories can damage reputations and mislead the public.

She gave the charge on Thursday, May 14 when she received members of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Anambra Chapter, on a courtesy visit to her office in Awka.

Responding to remarks by the NAWOJ Chairperson, Mrs.Tochukwu Ifejirika, the Head of Service stressed that accuracy must remain the foundation of journalism.

“You must verify stories. Sometimes, when you write things that are not factual, you kill people, as journalists, base your reports on facts. I am pleading with you to use your job to build the image of the state and not destroy it.” She said.

Citing the attitude of people at accident scenes, she noted that the priority should be to help victims rather than chase photographs. She added that journalists, as the conscience of society, have a responsibility to address societal ills through responsible reporting.

Iwouno, also spoke on discipline and commitment in the civil service, expressing concern over absenteeism without permission among workers. She recalled an incident where Governor Charles Soludo paid an unscheduled visit and found many civil servants absent from their offices around 10 a.m.

“Let us tell ourselves the truth. Workers should start coming to work. There is a slight change, but we need to be more proactive. Take written permission and avoid absenteeism without approval to avoid sanctions under the civil service rules,” she stated.

She described absenteeism, falsification of records, and over-aged workers remaining in service as immoral and, in some cases, criminal. She urged the female journalists, whom she described as “mothers and the conscience of society,” to lead by example and step down the message of discipline to their colleagues.

“Virtuous women build their homes, foolish ones destroy it. Use this job to do the right thing because everyone will account for their deeds in the end. Be image makers in your various workplaces,” The HoS said.

Earlier, the Chairperson of the NAWOJ, Anambra State Chapter, Mrs. Tochukwu Ifejirika congratulated the Head of Service on her appointment and pledged NAWOJ’s commitment to projecting the positive image of the state government. She also appealed for the HoS’s support in granting Information Officers who are NAWOJ members permission to attend the association’s activities.

Also speaking, Mrs. Joy Mbachi of the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, requested that the Head of Service honor invitations from the group whenever possible.

MaryAnn Chukwuma writes from the Office of the Head of Service, Anambra State.