News Investigators/ Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has said that integrity and professionalism remain the greatest assets for journalists and public communicators in discharge of their duties.
Mr Adesina stated this during a media dialogue organised by the Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan, on Wednesday in Ibadan.
The dialogue had as its theme: “From Aso Rock: Inside Media-State Relations in Nigeria.”
He said that reputation and ethical conduct were essential in building public trust, noting that his appointment as media adviser to former President Muhammadu Buhari was influenced by the credibility he built during his journalism career.
“Build your career with integrity because reputation is very important.
“If you are the best in your career as a journalist, people will recognise you and opportunities will come your way,” he said.
Mr Adesina, who said he had spent 40 years in journalism, described media professionals as “nomadic”, moving across platforms and institutions in search of greater opportunities and impact.
He recounted his transition from radio, that is, broadcast journalism to newspaper publishing and later to government service, stressing that the moves were driven by professional growth rather than political lobbying.
The former presidential spokesman said he initially had no intention of working in government until he was invited to serve after Buhari’s election victory in 2015.
According to him, effective government communication depends largely on trust and direct access between leaders and their media aides.
“If you are going to work for somebody and you cannot talk to him, then do not take the job,” he said.
Adesina also urged students and young professionals to remain open-minded and willing to review their positions when confronted with better facts and arguments.
“You do not just stick to a position whether correct or not. That is dogmatism.
“If you have a better argument arising from better information, you can change your view,” he said.
Earlier, the Head of the Department of Political Science, Prof. Dhikru Yagboyaju, said the dialogue series was designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice by exposing students to experienced practitioners.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, UI, Prof. Benjamin Ehigie, said the engagement would help students understand the realities of governance and public communication.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, said democracy required a strong independent media and an accountable government.
He urged students to engage critically with issues of governance, ethics and media responsibility.
NAN
