Lawyers propose training for journalists, annual Bar-Media Forum
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, have agreed to strengthen collaboration between the legal profession and the media to promote justice, rule of law and good governance in Ondo State.
The commitment was made when the newly inaugurated NBA Akure Branch executives, led by their Chairman, Oju Kekemeke, paid a courtesy visit to the NUJ Press Centre in Akure.
Kekemeke described the NUJ as the branch’s first point of call after its inauguration, stressing that the visit reflected the NBA’s recognition of the media as a key partner in advancing the interests of society.
He said although lawyers and journalists operated in different professional spaces, both professions had significant responsibilities to the public, particularly in promoting justice, protecting rights and demanding accountability.
According to him, lawyers champion justice and the rule of law, while journalists keep citizens informed and play a vital role in holding public institutions accountable.
“Where the rule of law is weak, both institutions suffer. Where citizens are uninformed, justice becomes inaccessible. And where public institutions are not sufficiently accountable, democracy and good governance are weakened.”
NBA Seeks Better Legal Reporting
The NBA chairman proposed a deliberate Bar-Media partnership focused on public legal education, capacity building, access to justice, protection of fundamental rights, rule of law and good governance.
He said the branch was ready to make lawyers available for radio and television programmes, public lectures and other media platforms to educate citizens about their rights and responsibilities.
Kekemeke also proposed periodic training for journalists covering courts and legal matters, noting that better understanding of legal principles and procedures would promote more accurate and responsible reporting.
He identified areas such as fair hearing, presumption of innocence, contempt of court and sub judice as some of the issues journalists covering the judiciary should understand more deeply.
The NBA chairman further called for joint efforts to address challenges affecting access to justice, particularly for vulnerable members of society, while promoting constitutionalism, accountability and respect for judicial decisions.
NBA Proposes Annual Bar-Media Forum
As part of efforts to sustain the partnership, Kekemeke proposed the establishment of an annual Bar-Media Forum on Justice, Rule of Law and Good Governance in Ondo State.
He also suggested that both organisations designate liaison officers to facilitate prompt and responsible communication on important legal and public-interest matters.
According to him, the partnership should ultimately contribute to building “a better-informed citizenry, a stronger justice system and a more accountable society.”
NUJ Welcomes Partnership
Responding, NUJ Ondo State Council Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite, commended the NBA Akure Branch for making the union its first point of call following the inauguration of its new executives.
Adegbite described the visit as a demonstration of the importance the legal profession attaches to the media and expressed the NUJ’s readiness to work with the NBA in areas that would strengthen professional capacity and promote good governance.
He particularly welcomed the proposed training for journalists, noting that those covering the judiciary needed a sound understanding of legal processes and terminology to ensure accurate and responsible reporting.
The NUJ chairman said the union would support initiatives aimed at improving the quality of legal and court reporting in the state.
He, however, stressed the importance of maintaining the independence and professional ethics of both professions, saying collaboration must remain firmly rooted in the public interest.
Adegbite said the media remained committed to giving adequate attention to justice, human rights and good governance, adding that stronger cooperation with the Bar would further enhance journalists’ ability to inform the public accurately.
He expressed optimism that the proposed Bar-Media Forum and other initiatives would provide a sustainable platform for lawyers and journalists to exchange ideas and jointly address issues affecting society.
