Journalists in Nigeria have been urged to move forward with hope, unity in actions, and an unwavering commitment to the ideals that will make the profession and the nation great.
President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ,
Dr Chris Isiguzo made the call in a message to members during the 2024 Christmas and New year celebration .
” Our noble profession of journalism holds a unique responsibility in shaping the narrative of our nation. In the face of challenges, the pen remains mightier than the sword. As journalists, we are entrusted with the crucial task of disseminating information, uncovering truth, and safeguarding the principles of democracy “.
According to the NUJ President, the year ahead holds immense potential for progress and positive change. It is a canvas upon which we can paint a future built on the foundations of transparency, accountability, and shared prosperity. I implore each of you to approach your work with an unwavering commitment to journalistic ethics, ensuring that the public is informed and empowered.
” Amidst the evolving dynamics of the society, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, stands as a steadfast advocate for press freedom, professional development, and the welfare of its members, advising that, In the pursuit of truth, let us also foster an environment that encourages innovation, inclusivity, and the highest standards of reporting “.Isiguzo
He stressed that, the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is navigating the complexities of governance with a vision encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda, ” adding that, Change takes time, and in the spirit of unity, let us be patient as the administration works towards achieving its goals for the betterment of our nation “.
” President Tinubu’s agenda carries the promise of revitalized governance, economic prosperity, and social cohesion. It is incumbent upon us, as responsible citizens, to engage constructively, hold our leaders accountable, and actively contribute to the building of a nation we can all be proud of “. Isiguzo
He expressed gratitude to each journalist across Nigeria for their tireless dedication to the pursuit of truth. May 2024 be a year of resilience, growth, and collective achievement.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year filled with boundless possibilities and the realization of our collective aspirations “
In the same vain,
The National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Bura, want Women Journalists, to use their innate potentials in actualizing a vision of peaceful coexistence among all stakeholders bringing together men, women and the girlchild.
” Nigerian women have come a long way having joined the rest of the globe back in history to fight for universal suffrage, the Right to Vote, to Beijing and for the emancipation from servitude in all forms, Equality and Equity, the 35 Percent Affirmative Action and the current struggle to give our Girl Child the right foundation “. Bura
According to Comrade Aisha Bura, there is the need to collectively ensure that the younger ones are well situated for the uncertain future ahead, ensuring they get the basic education, necessary skills and they understand their fundamental human rights.
She advocated the re- evaluation and rejuvenation of the family institutions to achieve a better society especially in the struggle to ending Gender Based Violence, pointing out that, ” our role as women Journalists and Frontliners in the struggle is to first, be properly situated in learning the dynamics of this struggle in order to properly discharge our functions of educating, enlightening and also empowering the vulnerable in the society. “.Bura
The Commissioner for Information Kano State, Baba Dantiye on his part, advised Nigerians to work and pray, saying that the challenges faced in 2023 were normal human challenges which could be surmounted with good leadership and strong political will.
He says and I quote, ” those who are causing problems especially in areas where you have insecurity should also consider this is their country and should realize that we are brothers and sisters stressing that there is no need to carry arms “.
” Seek.peace through the right channels and the leadership should be able to address all the complaints to avoid people causing injury to our nation “. Dantiye
Mr Eze Anaba, President Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, on his part want media owners to engage the federal government to make the profession a lot more satisfactory in terms of renumeration and welfare and, ” the only way government can intervene is to ensure the cost of production drastically and that can only be achieved when physical measures are worked out to favour the media.
” Because as it is, the prohibitive cost of running a news paper house or a broadcast station makes it impossible for editors or journalists to be well paid, even though the process has started for sustainability “. Anaba
Advising the Editors, Mr Anaba urged them to continue to do their jobs ethically and professionally to hold government accountable so they can serve the people and in the process, deepen democracy.
They should also be in the vanguard of looking at the judiciary, interrogating the rule of law in a way to making it truly the last hope of the common man, ” adding that government should remember that governance is for the people “. Anaba
” Government should in 2024 ensure that the citizenry is protected, able to survive in terms of welfare so they can be happy to be a Nigerian “.
The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Council, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, who described the outgone year as eventful in term of capacity building for members, welfare and social activities of the Union
however, identified inadequate funding for the Union’s activities as a major obstacle hindering the progress of the Union.
He said ” we trained our members three times last year in digital journalism ” we had our press week and our press week lecture was very educative, however, we need more participation by members in the Union activities “.
” We call on Lagos state government, other organizations and philanthropists to emulate Mother Esther Ajayi who did the conclusion of the Union remodeling two story building which was commissioned last year “. Ajayi
” Members should brace up and improve in their skills, in year 2024, steer clear of fake news, as false information is destructive and should not be tolerated in journalism while urging journalists to contribute positively through constructive criticisms for the progress of the Union “. he advised.
Discover more from Radio Nigeria Lagos
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
