The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has hailed the critical duties of journalists in promoting democracy in Nigeria and called on them to be responsible in discharging their functions.
Governor Uzodimma stated this at the 8th Triennial delegates conference on NUJ held in Owerri, Imo State, where he expressed concern over what he said was “the rampant spread of fake news in Nigeria”, and warned against the effects of fake news in the society.
He called for a return to investigative journalism to uphold national values and also educate the populace.
Senator Uzodimma noted the pivotal role of journalists in nation-building and called on practitioners to remain diligent in their pursuit of truth while upholding the nation’s diversity.
According to the governor, journalists, as watchdogs of democracy, must go about their duties with equity, fairness and professionalism, pointing out that training is key in achieving these.
He lauded the leadership of the NUJ for their efforts at transforming the union, and also expressed delight at the choice of Imo State as the host of the union’s eighth national delegates’ conference.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Media and Democracy: The Journalist’s Role in Holding Leaders Accountable,” and was delivered by Dr Ike Neliaku, President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Represented by Prof Okey Ikechukwu, a professor of Strategic Management & Human Capital Development, and former acting Chairman of the Guardian Editorial Board, Dr Neliaku informed journalists that they can perform their roles through investigative journalism, providing Fact-Based information, facilitating public debate, ensuring transparency and amplifying grassroots voices.
He charged government to protect press freedom and ensure journalists can work without fear of reprisal, promote media literacy so citizens can critically evaluate the information consumed as well as support independent journalism through funding and policies to prioritize transparency and accountability.
“Journalists are indispensable to democracy, acting as its conscience and a check on power, hence by ensuring leaders remain accountable to the people, the media helps uphold the principles of justice, equality, and freedom.”
The Chairman of the occasion, Senator Osita Izunaso, represented by Dr Maxwell Menkiti stressed the importance of passing key legislative bills to provide a robust framework for journalism in the country which he said would ensure that journalists effected meaningful change in the society.
Later, the immediate past Deputy President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahaya, was elected as the National President of the Union.
Alhassan Yahaya won the election with 436 votes, while Mr Tunde Atunbi polled 97 votes and Garba polled 39 votes to place second and third respectively.
Also, a Deputy-Director with Radio Nigeria, Mrs Abimbola Oyetunde emerged as Deputy National President of the Union unopposed and Muhammad Umar Tukur and Abdulrazak Bello Kaura were returned unopposed as the Vice President and Zonal secretary Zone A respectively.
Ronke Afebioye from Ekiti state Council was also re-elected unopposed as the vice President Zone B and other national executives, who were equally returned unopposed.
Alhassan takes over from Deacon Chris Isiguzo, who served two terms of six years.
Deacon Isiguzo highlighted some of his achievements within the past six years and asked the new executives to take the union to greater heights.
Responding, the new NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan promised to operate an all-inclusive governance geared towards raising the bar of journalism unionism in the country.
The event was attended by over 1,000 journalists from all the 37 Councils and the six zones of the union across the country, and had featured various activities including a secretariat report and the presentation of audited accounts of the NUJ.###
