NYFA LEADERS' DIGEST

THE PERFIDIOUS PREDICAMENT OF AGEIST ANCHORS: OJY OKPE'S PASSIVE DISCRIMINATION

In a world where chronological snobbery reigns supreme, it is utterly bewildering that certain television presenters, ostensibly paragons of journalistic integrity, would choose to indulge in the most egregious forms of ageism. One such exemplar of this lamentable trend is Ojy Okpe of AriseTV, who, in a egregious display of selective indignation, elected to read out solely negative comments pertaining to Atiku Abubakar's age on the programme "What's Trending".

This fastidious avoidance of balance and fairness in reporting bespeaks a far more insidious malaise: the perpetuation of ageist stereotypes and the concomitant marginalisation of seasoned individuals. By cherry-picking vitriolic comments and presenting them sans context, Ojy Okpe and AriseTV are, in effect, complicit in the dissemination of discriminatory rhetoric.

It is nothing short of risible that in a nation whose constitution remains commendably agnostic on the matter of age limits for leadership, certain media personalities would seek to impose their own arbitrary strictures upon the body politic. The Nigerian constitution, in its wisdom, has seen fit to eschew age caps for leadership positions, thereby underscoring the paramount importance of merit and capability over mere chronological considerations.

One is compelled to query: would Ojy Okpe's programme have countenanced similar calumnies directed towards younger politicians? Or would the presenter have instinctively recognised the imperative of journalistic prudence and responsibility? The omission is glaring, and the inference, distressingly clear.

In an era where the media's role as a custodian of democratic values is being increasingly scrutinised, it is nothing short of imperative that television presenters like Ojy Okpe eschew passive promotion of discriminatory narratives. The onus probandi rests squarely upon the shoulders of media practitioners to ensure that their reporting does not inadvertently (or, indeed, deliberately) exacerbate societal prejudices.

Furthermore, the selective amnesia exhibited by AriseTV in neglecting to mention Sowore's post in its entirety raises more questions than answers. Was this an instance of journalistic myopia or a calculated attempt to propagate a particular narrative? Whatever the motivation, the outcome remains the same: a disservice to the viewing public and a betrayal of the trust reposed in media institutions.

It is high time, therefore, that media personalities like Ojy Okpe recognised the gravity of their responsibility as custodians of public discourse. By promoting balanced reporting and eschewing discriminatory narratives, they can play a meaningful role in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Anything less would be a dereliction of duty.

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