By Habeeb Olokooba
Before digging deep into what we are here for, let me seize the moment to congratulate Danfodites as they have chosen for themselves new Student Representatives that I can say partially are home chosen. Well, either elected or selected, congratulations to both the students and the emerging government.
Without mincing words, or being deceptive, here are facts about the journalism we do.
Though this and other extracurricular activities might not be our reason for being in school. Yet, We are glad to do it in revealing the truth. A symbol of hope to everyone and the voice of the voiceless.
By the way, a leader is always in charge of steering the affairs of the society he is piloting. To aid the growth of society, the need for governance is inevitable. How I wish administration of the people’s affairs can be as simple as the above. Whereas it’s not, it is more complicated.
According to Taoheed Adegbite (2022) “The government has a business, and the business is corrupt.”
Going by the above, it is imminent that there will be permutations of which the leadership will not want to exit when he should. However, as journalists, we break the barricade and reveal the vices. This is not serving breakfast but letting this administration achieve greatly. At least, fear of journalists should serve as the beginning of wisdom and achievement.
In the words of my editor-in-chief, Shereefdeen Ahmad, “A journalist should not be a politician, because we are the watchdog of society.”
Lending credence to this, I can’t agree less, Mr. Shereefdeen is saying nothing but the truth. Journalism as a profession of prestige has no room for sentiments, emotions or affections. Journalism gives no room for conclusions unless you are writing an opinion. We deal with facts. They say, “you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” And this is journalism, it sets you free when you are truthful.
Journalism is about righting the wrong; wrong the wrong while writing the right– it is about frowning at abnormalities with normalcy. It is bringing the government forth for accountability and to be transparent to her subjects without prioritizing any form of corruption, be it nepotism or favoritism.
Also, it’s not trying to waive or exempt a rule that applies to Gander while dealing with Goose.
Having said this, congratulating one of my course mates whom I so well get along with, I made known to him that, as well as I would love to air whatever good he does in office as a Senator, I won’t hesitate to air his shady deeds too.
I will love to keep the hope alive, and expect the new lead to steer the affairs of the students as well. However, as much as I would like to know if the government is doing an awesome job. I will feel that same gladness in airing any concealed runs.