A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ngozi Olehi, has emphasized the urgent need for journalists to rise to the occasion and uphold the critical roles assigned to them by both their profession and the laws of the land.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Owerri, Olehi highlighted the importance of the press in setting the agenda for national discourse and spearheading advocacy against societal challenges such as injustice, human rights violations, and underdevelopment.
“As watchdogs of society, journalists are expected to be at the forefront of agenda-setting and to lead the advocacy against societal ills like injustice, abuse of people’s rights, and underdevelopment,” he stated.
He noted that across the nation—from local communities to state and national levels—reports and allegations of these issues were becoming increasingly frequent and concerning. According to him, this growing trend underscores the necessity for journalists to rise to their calling and hold those in power accountable.
Citing a specific example, Olehi referred to the ongoing protests by communities in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area over what they described as the improper and forceful acquisition of ancestral lands by private entities.
He said, “The concerned communities, such as Amala, Alatia, Ntu and Ezema, have alleged that their lands are being forcefully taken from them by the Zion Ministries, and have gone to court to seek justice.”
He encouraged journalists to investigate such matters, especially those rooted in justice, fairness, and human rights, noting that doing so would help promote respect for these fundamental principles and foster peace, security, and development in society.
Olehi also condemned the increasing trend of local council authorities and community leaders indiscriminately selling off indigenous lands, warning that such practices were dangerous and could lead to unrest. He described the ongoing land grabs as “time bombs” capable of igniting agitation and militancy in the future.
Addressing the broader issue of insecurity—particularly in Ngor Okpala and across the country—Olehi attributed much of the unrest to the actions of herdsmen and emphasized that tackling the problem was primarily the responsibility of the government.
He stated, “It is important that you as journalists help to draw attention to societal ills like land grabbing going on in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, and security threats caused by herdsmen. We need you to please tell the plight of our people.”
While lamenting the rise in herders’ banditry, he stressed that government at all levels could effectively curb the menace with the right political will, policies, and legislative framework.
“Government at all levels need to address the menace of herdsmen attacks and invasion of private property and quickly too,” he added.
On the topic of good governance, the legal expert reiterated his longstanding view that the three core pillars of effective leadership are transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. He affirmed that his stance on this has not changed over the years.
According to him, when these principles are upheld in a democracy, they remind leaders of their duty as servant-leaders, inspire trust among citizens, and encourage both local and foreign investment—key drivers of economic growth and national development.
Reaffirming his belief in the transformative power of the media, Olehi urged journalists to remain committed to developmental journalism and continue to confront the many issues affecting the nation.
