For the record: ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN INCULCATING RIGHT VALUES IN THE YOUTH

Under Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, people-oriented provisions were made for Fundamental Obligations of the Government, The Government and the People, Political Objectives, Economic Objectives, Social Objectives, Educational Objectives, Foreign Policy Objectives, Environmental Objectives, Directive on Nigeria Cultures, Obligations of the Mass Media and National Ethics.

Unfortunately and regrettably, you cannot claim any of those rights or objectives in the court of law. That is to say, they are mere decoration. And perhaps, that was part of the reasons why late Chief Rotimi Williams SAN remarked during his life time that the 1999 Constitution is a “forged document”. According to the legal luminary, “any document that lies about itself, is a forged document”.

Despite this limitations, and pending the time we are able to have Nigeria’s People Constitution, the Media must continue to explore and utilize all legal, professional and ethical means in inculcating good values into the youths.

We must continue to hold the government accountable to its obligations to the people, especially the youth.

We must stop celebrating ill-gotten wealth and people who became rich overnight.

We must discover and promote role models in all spheres of human endeavors for the youth to copy.

The youth on their own, must utilize the positive aspects of the media especially the Internet in empowering themselves, creating and holding their space in the society.

The media must unwaveringly and jealously, defend its rights at all times. Only this can guarantee the performance of its functions, both basic and “expanded”.

Thank you for your attention.