Social Media Has Proliferated Journalism Profession - Remmy Hazzan

Hon. Remmy Hazzan 

Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji 

ABEOKUTA - The Special Adviser to the Ogun Governor on Media and Public Communications, Hon. Remmy Hazzan has attributed the increasing number of unprofessional journalists in the media industry to advent of social media. 

Hon. Hazzan disclosed this on Monday while receiving the executive members of the Ogun NUJ Federated Chapel in his Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

He noted that, many quacks journalists have infiltrated into the media industry due to their presence on social media, hence, making it difficult for members of the public to differentiate the fake from the qualified ones. 

"Unfortunately, internet has proliferated many professions. There's no profession there are no quacks. Even in my profession, the estate survey, we now have roadside practitioners who are issuing fake documents for clients. 

"But in journalism, it's too rampant. Everybody is now a journalist. All they need is just to have a Android phone and create a blog. But the NUJ as a professional body needs to sanitize the profession."

He however, called for reconciliation moves among members of the Federated Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists in the State.

Hazzan advised the chapel's leadership to make peace with aggrieved members of the Chapel for progress.

While charging the executives of the Union to do all in their capacity to bring everybody together, the Special Adviser enjoined them to be magnanimous in victory and extend hands of fellowship to their members.

"It is in your interest that you settle all grievances, mend fences and all should come together as one indivisible body", the Special Adviser said.

Hon. Hazzan added that Community Newspaper publishers are an integral part of the State Government in the propagation of government's programs and policies assuring of government's support for the Chapel.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of Federated Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State under the leadership of Mr. Abusatar Hamed Idowu, the publisher of StarTrend Magazine appreciated the media team of the Governor for their support for the Chapel requesting for more recognition of their members in welfare packages.