Press Releases

Fashola Invested As Life Patron Of Photo Journalists Association Of Nigeria
…Charges association to develop code of ethics to guide practitioners

Aug 27, 2012 - Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Monday charged members of the Photojournalists Association of Nigeria (PIJAN) to develop a code of ethics which will guide practitioners on how they must practice the profession.

The Governor who spoke at the Lagos House, Ikeja when he was invested as the life patron of the Photojournalists Association of Nigeria (PIJAN) said it is only when the practitioners design such a code that they will be able to regulate how photo journalism is practiced in Nigeria.

The Governor who gave a commitment that he will continue to be the life patron of the association provided they allow the members of the public to know the code of ethics guiding the profession.

He said part of the question to be asked is that, does a photo journalist have the right to photograph everything that he sees without bordering on the sensibilities of those whom the publication of the photographs may affect.

He added that another question also agitating his mind is whether a photo journalist can attend a function such as a national sports festival without an accreditation when in distant locations; it is the rule that all journalists who attend such events must be be properly accredited.

The Governor reiterated that he has advocated a dress sense for the photojournalists by wearing jeans so that they will have the opportunity of performing their duties without infringing in the rights of members of the public to also have vantage view of the event they have come to witness.

Governor Fashola charged the members of the association to use their photographs in assisting the State Government in enforcing the newly enacted State traffic laws by snapping and providing photographs of people who flout the law.

He said when such photographs are taken and sent forward, the State Government will provide all details about how to track down the offenders who may be dignitaries in the society.

The Governor who accepted the award on behalf of his colleagues on the cabinet of Lagos and all public servants thanked the photo journalist for their understanding with the government when one of them was recently involved in a case of assault on the premises of the Lagos State University.

He informed that a suspect in the assault is already in Police net as he is monitoring development there, stressing the need for everyone to be tolerant and patient as a way going forward.