NIGERIAN journalists have again been called to uphold the ethics of journalism in the country by balancing their reports, carrying out proper investigation before going to press and to avoid sensationalism.

Moffat Ekoriko, publisher of The Moment Newspaper, made this call yesterday at the Banquet hall of Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos, at the official launch of the newspaper, which has just gone daily.

He said Nigerian media should be more responsive and accountable to the people by updating readers with the activities of our political leaders.

“It was a big slap on the face of the Nigerian journalists for the central Bank Governor, Lamido Sanusi, to announce to the Nigerian public that 25 per cent of the nation’s recurrent expenditure was spent by few people at the National assembly irrespective of the face that, the budget is yearly analyzed by them.’’

He said Nigerian journalists must be more proactive in the practice of the profession.  According to him, the newspaper is designed to bring back the lost glory of journalism practice in the country. The newspaper will offer to the nation and beyond the best practice in the profession, espouse the principle of good governance, serve as economic catalyst and instill balance and fair reporting as well as promote social order.

He added that the paper, which is presently found in 24 states of the federation can be read online in French, Spanish, Chinese  and as well English.

Speaking further, he said, the newspaper shall be used for the  cause of the voiceless and support the struggle of the helpless. It shall seek justice for all manner of men irrespective of their vulnerabilities.

The Managing Director of STB McCann, Lanre Fasheun in its keynote address said  media sources should be privately owned. He said that an independent media would help drive the economic prosperity of a nation.