To the heroes in the noble profession

This Heroes Day, my heroes are colleagues in the journalism fraternity; those brave, curious and creative souls that step out every day to dig deep and keep you informed, entertained and educated about everything that matter under the sun. 

They are the unsung heroes who dare to tread where ordinary mortals cannot. They will even confront a hungry lion in its jungle if that is what it takes to get to the truth. Thus they are the bone fide generals who fight with the pen which has since been proved to be mightier than the gun. 

In essence, journalism is the joyous dawn that chases darkness. Imagine the sheer magnitude of dirt that would accumulate in government closets if there was no active press to expose the excesses, thereby forcing the bad boys to tread carefully. 

No wonder they come after us with guns and batons. They love darkness and abhor those who bring light. So we are knocked down at every opportunity, but being down is not being out. That is why we are back with a bang from the 11-day draconian siege by the police after we committed the 'crime' of publishing the general’s letter that shook the establishment. 

It proves that truth is bitter to merchants of deceit. But as knowing the truth is what sets people free, we shall continue to adhere to nothing but the truth. Because it is our mandate to inoculate the masses against ignorance. Then they can make informed decisions and demand accountability from the authorities as is the case in developed democracies. 

So powerful is the press that it is called the Fourth Estate, and according to British statesman and orator Edmund Burke, far more important than the other three: the executive, legislature and judiciary. It is also what Thomas Jefferson meant when he declared that "our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost."

The earlier our leaders cleaned out their closets and built stronger institutions, the better. Otherwise we shall continue to play our role of exposing and poking the consciences of the powers that be, providing unbiased commentary on the dynamics that shape our society and furnishing our consumers with the ultimate scoop courageously and ethically. 

In all, true journalists are friends; indefatigable advocates for a better society, always spewing sense with the mighty pen. That is why they are my heroes today.