NUJ @ 70, journalists chart pathways to sustainable future

In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the union’s President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, has stressed the need for journalists to engage in investigative journalism, uphold ethical standards and embrace innovation.

Addressing journalists, Abdullahi recalled that on March 15, 1955, in the vibrant city of Lagos, the NUJ was born amid the burgeoning nationalist movement.
To him, just as the nation was striving for self-determination, so too were journalists seeking to establish their professional identity and advocate for their rights.

Saying the NUJ emerged as a crucial platform, a voice for those dedicated to informing and empowering the nation, he added, “today, we pause to reflect on a remarkable journey – a journey characterised by resilience, adaptation, and an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity.

“The 70th anniversary of the NUJ is a moment to celebrate our rich history, acknowledge our present challenges, and look forward to the future with renewed determination.”

From the challenges of colonial rule and the fight for press freedom, to navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving media landscape, he observed the NUJ has remained a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democratic fabric.

He noted, “this milestone provides us with a unique opportunity to examine our evolution, to chart our trajectory through decades of political upheaval, technological advancement, and societal transformation. We acknowledge the NUJ’s role in navigating military rule, the transition to civilian democracy, and the advent of digital media, all while striving to uphold the highest standards of professional practice. However, this reflection is not merely a retrospective exercise. It is a moment to critically assess our present position and to consider the future of journalism in Nigeria. As the media landscape undergoes seismic shifts, driven by technological innovation and evolving audience expectations, the NUJ must adapt to remain relevant and effective.”

He further stressed the need to honour founding fathers, adding, ‘by honouring our founding members, we reaffirm our commitment to the core values that have guided us for seven decades. Their legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the highest standards of journalism, serve the public interest with impartiality, and ensure that the freedom of the press endures for generations to come.”

Despite the significant contributions of journalists, he identified poor remuneration, shabby treatment of journalists, attacks on journalists, poor accreditation and registration framework, misinformation and disinformation as some of the challenges faced by journalists.

To bridge these gaps, he suggested Nigerian journalism must embrace accountable and responsive journalism, investigative and critical journalism, strengthening media literacy, combating misinformation and disinformation, fostering critical thinking and promoting diversity and Inclusion.

Furthermore, he stated the union’s training arm, the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) in Abuja, must focus on digital journalism and media literacy; ethical journalism and investigative reporting; specialised training programmes and mentorship proprogrammes.

In conclusion, Abdullahi assured, “we will also continue to fight for fair wages, decent work environments, modern equipment, training and retraining, comprehensive insurance coverage and a revived national monitoring committee on safety and security of journalists.”