Nigerian journalists have been tasked to emulate their foreign counterparts and use their profession to portray the country in good light to the international community.

Akwa Ibom Governor, Chief Godswill O. Akpabio, gave the charge during a banquet for the Governors of Delta and Plateau states, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Jonah Jang, as well as members of Nigerian Guild of Editors at Government Banquet Hall, Uyo. He stressed the need for them like their foreign counterparts to always highlight the positive things and happenings in the country.

“Nigeria,” Akpabio stated Friday at the banquet, “must not always be looked at from other countries in the negative angle. With this conference in Akwa Ibom State, journalists must always portray Nigeria in good light through their profession.

“When reporting news, positive things must be reported or written about our country. The conference is not only hosted to transform the state or country but also held to change the board of media houses. Whether Moslem or Christian, I pray God to give you wisdom to carry out the good deeds of your profession. In your daily activities, allow God to go with you.”

He described the conference in Akwa Ibom as uncommon one, saying: “On the recent attacks of United States of America Embassy in Libya where an American Ambassador was killed, I can say we must sanitise and teach our Nigerian children that it is only God that fights His war. Whether we are Moslem or Christian, we must embrace peace.”

Akpabio described the chairman of the occasion, Aremu Segun Osoba, as a role model for every child to emulate and for the world to see Nigeria through him, thanking him for serving for chairing the occasion and the Guild for bringing this year’s conference to Uyo.

Responding, NGE President, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, lauded Governor Akpabio on his development strides and for his support to the conference.

At the ceremony, the Guild conferred fellowship award on some of its members, inducted 14 new members and conferred honorary fellowship award on Governor Akpabio.

*Photo: Governor Akpabio