The Nigerian media has been charged to make positive contribution towards the success of the forthcoming 2015 elections, by maintaining neutrality, integrity as well as apportioning equal time to all contestants; always keeping the welfare of the voter in mind.

The Director-General, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr Sola Omole, gave this charge recently in Ibadan, at the Association of Communication and Language Arts Students’ (ACLAS) Annual Personality Lecture and Award ceremony, held at the large lecture theatre of the department. He challenged media practitioners to appreciate their role and responsibilities in a democracy and ensure they operate within acceptable limit.

Mr Omole, an alumnus of the department, who was represented by the NTA Ibadan, Zonal Zonal Director, Mrs Pauline Igbanor, spoke on the theme, ‘The role of media in elections: 2015 Elections in perspective' advised the media to stick on issues and beware of exaggerating controversies.

He noted that the media, as agent of sourcing and spreading information, which is needed for survival and balancing of societal interests, should act according to the rules and ethics of their profession, with a view to promoting the conduct of credible elections.

Mrs Igbanor, on behalf of her boss and the NTA family, commended the organisers of the event and urged them to be committed to what they are doing.

Mrs Vicky Anozie, Station Manager, Beat FM, Ibadan, promised that the radio station would continue to do its best in the industry.

Mr Lekan Ishola, also an alumnus, urged students to move with the tide of journalism which, according to him, has changed from being traditional to community-based in practice.

Honoured for their excellent performances in the 2012/2013 academic session were Miss Olumide Deborah Olayide for making 6.4 CGPA in her 100 level; Miss Okoyomo, Omeghie Oluwadamilola, who made 6.0 in her 200 level and the duo of Miss Suliat Akanbi and Mr Obafemi Adeola, who made 5.6 CGPA in their 300 level.

•Photo shows NTA Director General Sola Omole.