?The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on veteran journalists and media professionals to unite and champion the return of ethical, responsible, and professional journalism in Nigeria.

?Reacting to a statement by Mr. Livinus Chibuike Victor, Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged his concerns regarding the deep-seated challenges facing journalism practice in the country today.

However, she dismissed his demand for an apology as misplaced and irrelevant, stressing that the visible erosion of standards in the profession remains an undeniable reality.

?She recalled her tenure in the House of Representatives (2003–2015), where, as Chairman of the House Committee on Media, she championed the Journalism Enhancement Bill in 2010.

The proposed legislation aimed to establish clear standards, regulatory criteria, and professional frameworks comparable to fields such as medicine, law, and accountancy, preventing uncertified individuals from laying claim to the profession without formal training.

She expressed regret that the initiative was resisted by key stakeholders at the time, paving the way for the decline in professional dignity seen today.

?Reflecting on her professional background, Dabiri-Erewa expressed gratitude for the rigorous training and mentorship she received at the Mass Communication Department of the University of Lagos.

She reaffirmed her readiness to collaborate with Mr. Victor and other industry veterans committed to addressing the systemic issues in Nigerian journalism.

?Furthermore, she urged the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and other media bodies to take proactive measures to safeguard the integrity and esteem of the profession.