ASKOJ urges members to uphold integrity, public interest reporting

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The Association of Kano Online Journalists (ASKOJ) has reaffirmed its commitment to ethical journalism, professionalism, and the promotion of public-interest reporting during its Eid-el-Kabir reunion and festive get-together held in Kano.

The gathering brought together members from various media platforms to celebrate the festive season, strengthen professional bonds, and deliberate on issues affecting journalism practice in the state.

Speaking during the meeting, the Secretary of the association, Abdul Ozumi, expressed concern over what he described as a gradual decline in professional standards within parts of the media industry, attributing the trend to undue influence from political and personal interests.

He urged journalists to remain committed to the core values of the profession by prioritising stories that serve the public interest.

“We are journalists with integrity, and the primary responsibility of journalism is to uncover stories that matter to society. We must remain focused on our mandate while creating opportunities for growth and development within the profession,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of ASKOJ, Yakubu Salisu, stressed the importance of unity, collaboration, and meaningful networking among members to enhance the visibility and impact of the association.

He called on members to remain dedicated to the ideals of journalism despite growing pressures and competing interests within the media landscape.

“Let us not lose sight of the purpose of our profession. While others may be driven by personal gains, we must remain focused on creating value and upholding the principles that define responsible journalism,” Salisu said.

He added that the association was taking practical steps to strengthen its operations and expand opportunities for members, noting that collective commitment would be essential to achieving its goals.

The event also served as a platform for members to exchange ideas, share professional experiences, and explore ways of advancing ethical and impactful journalism in Kano State.

Participants described the reunion as a timely opportunity to reinforce professional solidarity and chart a common path for the growth of online journalism in the state.