Delta State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Churchill Oyowe has called for the establishment of a regulatory council to strengthen journalism practice, and protect the welfare of practitioners in Nigeria.

Oyowe also advocated continuous professional development for journalists beyond university education, noting that additional training would enhance professionalism in the sector.

He made the declaration at a send fort
ceremony of Mr Benson Iziama, Deputy Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on his successful retirement from the Federal service, organised by the Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalist((NUJ).

Churchill Oyowe, who urged journalists to embrace retirement as a period of rest and fulfilment after years of active service, expressed concern that many journalists continue working beyond retirement age due to inadequate welfare and financial support.

“There are professions that have laws guiding their union and their interests are protected by law, but in journalism they work with ethics and not laws,” he said.

According to him, “Retirement is not a death sentence, but a time for joy and settlement, a period to unite with friends and relations to fill the void, while wishing the celebrate the best of his new life and God’s divine protection and provision.

Earlier, the Chairman, Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, described retirement as the formal withdrawal of a worker from active service, noting that it represents a natural stage in professional life.

In his response, Mr Iziama expressed deep appreciation to members of the Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel for organising the send-off ceremony in his honour.

He described the gesture as a demonstration of true comradeship, friendship, and professional solidarity.

“The degree of sacrifice, support, presence and availability was unprecedented,” he said.