As part of the global commemoration of the 59th World Communications Day, the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), Ondo State chapter, has called for improved working conditions for journalists and other media professionals across both public and private media organisations.

The group, while applauding communication practitioners for their resilience and dedication to the profession, emphasised the urgent need for government and media proprietors to prioritise the welfare of workers in the sector.

This demand was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Association’s State Coordinator, Mr Sunday Kolawole; Secretary, Mr Richard Ilesanmi; and Publicity Secretary, Mr Tosin Ajuwon, and made available to newsmen in Akure.

The group, in the statement titled, “Ondo ACSPN Commemorates World Communications Day,” acknowledged the selfless roles played by communication professionals in shaping public opinion and driving societal development.

Part of the statement reads, “The Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), Ondo State chapter, commemorates the 59th World Communications Day by recognising the importance of communication in a community, turning a global village.”

“It is important that we celebrate the essence of today by appreciating the crucial roles of effective communication in bridging the gap between society and government towards fostering progress, peace, stability, and development in our dear state.”

While highlighting this year’s theme, “Share, with gentleness, the hope that is in your heart,” the association paid glowing tribute to communicators, particularly those in Ondo State, for their commitment to informing, educating, and inspiring the populace, often under challenging conditions.

“This impact has assisted our media professionals and journalists in the state to harness the zeal of working both day and night to inform, educate and inspire society, who form a large audience with stories that connect them to the world, see to their needs, address their challenges and drive development,” the group noted.

ACSPN further lauded the courage of media practitioners who continue to discharge their duties with passion, resilience and commitment to truth, even in the face of adversity.

The statement added, “We also demand better work conditions for those in the services of either privately owned or public media organisations.”

Emphasising the critical role of journalists in promoting peace and fostering national unity, the association charged media practitioners in the state to remain professional and ethical in the discharge of their duties.

It urged them to be wary of fake news, misinformation and the deliberate spread of falsehood, which could erode public trust in the media and damage societal cohesion.

“We must avoid compromise in the midst of temptations but rather hold on tenaciously to the virtue of standing by the truth. We must continually preach selflessness and peace among ourselves while considering that communication is the backbone of our interconnected society,” the statement read.

ACSPN also reminded the government of the need to prioritise effective communication of its programmes and policies to the people, particularly in tackling pressing challenges such as insecurity.

The association noted that leaders must harness the power of communication as a tool to promote understanding, peace and development.

It concluded with prayers for divine strength for all media professionals, urging them to remain steadfast in their mission of serving as the voice of the voiceless and catalysts for positive change.