Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, called for a better welfare package for practicing Nigerian journalists. Oborevwori made the call while felicitating the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) on its 70th anniversary, saying: “The NUJ’s 70th anniversary marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s media landscape, reflecting decades of commitment to journalistic excellence and the promotion of democratic principles.”

Oborevwori’s felicitation was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ekpen Ahon, congratulating the President of the NUJ, Alhassan Yahaya, and all members of the union for their contributions to ethical journalism and nation-building.

The governor urged them to keep learning and relearning to become more ethical and development-focused, as members of a well-respected professional body. He remarked that journalists needed to keep learning, and relearning as part of their work because of the fast-paced developments in Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

He said: “I must thank Nigerian journalists, who hold the government and its officials accountable, and for their incalculable contributions to the nation’s democracy and progress.

“As the Fourth Estate of the Realm, media practitioners are critical stakeholders in the society.” and have enormous power and influence on the people which they must continue to exercise for the growth and development of our great country.”

While noting the watchdog function of the media in the political system, Oborevwori acknowledged the NUJ’s crucial role in defining Nigeria’s narrative and furthering democratic ideals.