The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has appealed to journalists participating in the coverage of the 2024 Hajj to be conscious of the national interest and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Chairman of the Commission, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi made the call while inaugurating the National Media Team on Thursday at Hajj House, Abuja.
Malam Arabi acknowledged the critical role of the media in nation-building and reminded the selected journalists that Hajj reportage requires a high level of consciousness and sincerity of purpose.
The NAHCON boss hinted that the board is open to constructive criticism and advice to attain maximum success, he cautioned members of the National Media Team to uphold the spirit of objectivity and accuracy while dishing out news stories during the pilgrimage.
According to him, “As journalists, you owe the Creator, then the nation, the Commission, and the entire Nigerian pilgrims a duty to be diligent in carrying out your assignment with utmost fear of Allah.
“We urge you to uphold the tenets and ethics of the journalism profession of fairness, balance and diligent clarification in their reportage.
“We understand what you dish out in your various medium can make, or mar the exercise. However, the judgement of their conscience, posterity and Allah should be your guiding principle.”
In his remarks, the Commissioner, Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services of the Commission, Professor Abubakar Yagawal urged the Media Team to be good ambassadors of their professional calling and to also ensure effective coverage and reportage, before, during and even after the Hajj exercise, by being physically present at all points and strata of the operation.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner Operations of the Commission, Prince Anofiu Olarewaju Elegushi, advised members to consider their selection as the Will of Allah and therefore should do what pleases Him in the discharge of their assigned responsibilities.