By Chidinma Olivia Patrick
Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr. Law Mefor, has urged journalists to uphold truth and responsibility in their reportage, cautioning against sensational reporting capable of creating panic or causing unrest in society.
Mefor gave the charge while representing Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council’s 35th Anniversary and 2026 Press Week Grand Finale and Man of the Year Awards in Awka.
Speaking on the role of the media in a democracy, the Commissioner said journalists have a constitutional responsibility to hold government accountable to the people, stressing that the profession remains indispensable to democratic governance.
“In a democracy, journalism is irreplaceable. Democracy is a marathon, not a dash. Nigerian democracy is still evolving and journalists must play their role,” he said.
Mefor, however, urged journalists to exercise discretion when reporting sensitive issues, noting that while the truth must always be reported, the manner in which information is presented can have significant consequences.
“Yes, you must report the truth. But is there a way it should be reported so that it does not cause mayhem?” he asked.
He further explained that journalists should avoid sensationalising reports, particularly when dealing with incidents capable of heightening tension or causing unnecessary panic, while maintaining the obligation to inform and educate the public.
The Commissioner also encouraged journalists to remain committed to defending democracy, while recalling the role of the media in Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democratic governance. He said journalists “cannot drop the ball now,” urging them to continue informing, educating and holding those in authority accountable while maintaining professional standards.
On the welfare of journalists, Mefor disclosed that the state government would explore the possibility of enrolling journalists in the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme (ASHIA) as a group.
He said the proposal followed the call by the NUJ National President for affordable healthcare for journalists, describing the suggestion as an important one.
According to him, ASHIA is available to residents of Anambra State and not only public servants, with enrollment currently costing ₦12,000.
He disclosed that the scheme provides healthcare coverage for a wide range of health needs, adding that the government would work with the NUJ Anambra State Council Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, and other stakeholders to work out the details of possible group enrollment for journalists.
Mefor also used the occasion to highlight some of the major projects of the Soludo administration, inviting the NUJ leadership and interested journalists to tour the projects and see them firsthand. He mentioned the iconic flyover in Ekwulobia and the Solution Fun City, which he described as the only facility in the region comprising a water park, amusement park, family fun centre and international country club, all co-located at the same site.
The Commissioner said the projects formed part of the administration’s development efforts and encouraged journalists to take time to see some of the facilities.
He commended the NUJ Anambra State Council on its 35th anniversary, describing its journey as significant and encouraging journalists to continue developing themselves and upholding the standards of the profession.
Mefor acknowledged that journalism was not an easy profession but urged practitioners to remain committed to their constitutional responsibility and to continue reporting fairly and responsibly, while also assuring journalists that members of the state government remained accessible whenever they encountered challenges in the course of their duties.
The event, held at the Annabel Event Centre, Awka, brought together journalists, media stakeholders, government officials and other dignitaries to mark the NUJ Anambra State Council’s 35th anniversary and 2026 Press Week, themed: “NUJ Anambra, 35 Years On: Reporting with Truth, Responsibility and Service… But…”
