The national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on media professionals to use their privileged roles as shapers of public opinion to strengthen national unity and ensure that Nigeria continues to exist as a peaceful and progressive nation.
Deputy National President of the NUJ, Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde, made the call after receiving an Award of Excellence from the NUJ Lagos Council during its 2025 Press Week Gala and Awards Night, the grand finale of the week-long celebration.
Dr. Oyetunde, who was recently appointed Bureau Chief of Radio Nigeria in Lagos, noted that the country is going through challenging times, stressing that journalists must deliver their duties with professionalism, avoiding profit-driven sensationalism, and remaining committed to the stability of the nation.
She also assured journalists across the country that the national body would continue to defend their rights and protect them from intimidation.
According to her, “We will continue to speak up against attacks on the rights of journalists. Journalism is not a crime. We will stand with you and make sure you do your work well.”
Dr. Oyetunde expressed deep appreciation to the Lagos NUJ Council for the award, noting that it holds special value as Lagos is where her journalism journey began. She thanked members for their overwhelming support.
“I dedicate this award to the Almighty God, to my family for their patience whenever I am away, and to all journalists in Lagos. I am very happy to receive it; it is emotional for me,” she said.
She commended the Lagos Council for consistently hosting the annual Press Week despite challenges and urged journalists to uphold excellence, ethics, and patriotism in their work.
“Whatever we do, we should do it excellently. We must be patriotic enough to ensure that this country does not break up because of what we write. As the Fourth Estate of the Realm, a lot is expected of us. Stop being sensational just to sell papers,” she cautioned.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the NUJ Lagos Council, Comrade Adeleye Ajayi, urged journalists to recommit themselves to nation-building and democratic growth.
“Our role is vital to national development, social stability, and democratic growth. The stories we tell shape the nation, influence policies, and mould public opinion. We must uphold the highest standards every single day,” he said.
Ajayi added that the event provided another opportunity to strengthen the union, encouraging members to work together for collective progress and the country’s well-being.
“The NUJ Lagos Council is built on unity, accountability, and shared purpose. Beyond newsroom deadlines, we are a family that thrives on mutual support. Let tonight deepen our resolve to stand together and grow together,” he said.
Goodwill messages were delivered by dignitaries across the media space and friends of the profession, including Dr. Jude Johnson, Director of Special Programmes at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, who called for greater collaboration between academia and the media industry.
Other goodwill messages came from the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, both pledging continued support for the NUJ.
Other award recipients alongside Dr. Oyetunde were Mr. Tunji Bello, Chief Executive Officer, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission; Mr. Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture; Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy; and Mr. Olusina Thorpe, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy.
Reporting By Innocent Onoh