**charges journalists to restore Nigeria's image
By Florencemary Nwabueze
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and retired General Ike Nwachukwu has charged Nigerian media organisations to spearhead a fresh campaign against xenophobic attacks across Africa, warning that the continent must not replace apartheid with another form of discrimination.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Vanguard Newspaper book launch and reunion held at The Civic Centre, Lagos, the retired General urged journalists to deploy courage and influence to confront xenophobia and help restore Nigeria's image globally.
"We must not replace apartheid with xenophobia, and mexia should lead that charge," Nwachukwu declared, calling on the Nigerian media to lead the fight one more time against xenophobia in Africa.
The former minister praised Vanguard Newspapers for its contributions to Nigeria and Africa, noting that the publication had played significant roles in promoting honest journalism, defending the underprivileged, advocating good governance and educating Nigerians about their rights.
"Vanguard Newspapers have done so much for our country. They led a charge for honest reporting, a charge for fighting the cause of the underprivileged, a charge for good governance, a charge for making people understand their rights and preparing them to express their rights without fear or favour," he said.
Nwachukwu, who paid tribute to Vanguard founder Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, popularly known as Uncle Sam, said the newspaper had contributed to the struggles for liberation across Africa.
"Vanguard Newspapers helped in no small way in ensuring that we brought to a total end apartheid in South Africa and the decolonisation of the rest of Africa," he stated.
The retired General also challenged the Nigerian media to play a stronger role in shaping international perception of Nigerians, insisting that government policies alone could not change the negative stereotypes associated with the country.
He stressed the need for the media to deliberately promote the positive attributes of Nigerians and project the country as a nation of people with value, dignity and integrity.
"Having said this, please help us to ensure that the Nigerian, anywhere in the world, is seen not as a cheat, not as an indecent person, but as people of value," Nwachukwu appealed.
"It is the media that will make this possible. No amount of government policies will make that possible. Our media should help us sell the Nigerian brand. We are good people."
The former minister said the responsibility of rebuilding Nigeria's international reputation could not be left entirely to the government, noting that the media possessed enormous power to influence public perception both within and outside the country.
He urged journalists and media organisations to use that power responsibly by highlighting the achievements, values and contributions of Nigerians at home and abroad.
Nwachukwu expressed confidence that Vanguard would continue to play a significant role in Nigeria's development and urged the newspaper to remain committed to the principles of responsible journalism, national development and the defence of citizens' rights.
He ended his remarks with a tribute to the Vanguard founder, saying, "We'll be with you when you are 106. And after that, I'll be delighted to join them in saying bye-bye."