Nuj @ 70: Tinubu appears media on national unit, ethical journalism

Nuj @ 70: Tinubu appears media on national unit, ethical journalism

Abuja (basic reporter) President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underlined the fundamental role of the Nigerian media in promoting national unity, strengthening democracy and modeling the future of the country, soliciting journalists to recommend ethical journalism and the construction of the nation.

The president Tinubu made the call to the Gala of the 70th anniversary, the evening of the prize and the presentation of the books of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (Nuj), held on Saturday at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Center in Abuja.

It was represented by the Minister of Information and the National Orientation Mohamned Idris

The minister, who was also the main conductor of the event, greeted the lasting relationship between President Tinubu and the media, describing him as a faithful ally of freedom of the press.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not only a friend of the media, but one whose democratic credentials have been modeled in solidarity with the bravest journalists of Nigeria,” Idris observed. “From the trenches of the struggle of 12 June to the presidency, its affinity with the press remains unparalleled.

He urged the media professionals to highlight the democratic gains of Nigeria and the Stories of progress to help consolidate the 26 -year -old democratic journey of the nation and encourage civic trust in public institutions.

“The media must take on the guide in telling the history of the democratic results of Nigeria, the reforms of governance, the growth of infrastructure, civic commitment and socio-economic development,” said Idris.

While reaffirming the unshakable commitment of Tinubu for the freedom of the press, Idris highlighted the growing threats of false news, disinformation and disruptive influence of artificial intelligence on the practice of journalism.

“The ascent of generative and deepfakes Aid represents a direct challenge to credible journalism. In this era, ethical journalism is not only important, it is essential,” he warned.

He revealed that the Federal Government, in collaboration with UNESCO, is establishing a first literacy institution for the media and information of category 2 of Abuja, a reference initiative aimed at promoting the responsibility of the media and literacy in the digital era.

“When operational, this institute will act as a transformative center for the construction of ethical and informed citizenship in Nigeria,” he announced.

Idris also promised the government’s will to collaborate with Nuj in the field of well -being, digitization, gender inclusion and institutional support of journalists.

Speaking also to the reference event, the elderly statesman and veteran journalist, the chief Olusgegun Oosoba, invited the federal government and the Nuj leadership to urgently face the threat of false journalism in Nigeria.

“Mr. President, you have a challenge. You can assure you that now we have an updated and verifiable database of genuine members of the Union of Nigerial journalists? We must identify and eliminate those who falsely challenge themselves as journalists,” he accused.

Oosoba warned that the credibility and the future of the profession are at risk if the impostors continue to undermine professional standards noting that Nuj remains the mother body that describes other affiliates of Nuj as “club”.

He underlined the importance of professionalism and integrity, especially when the country navigates on digital media challenges.

Reflecting on his career, Oosoba told his transition from analogue to digital journalism, urging professionals to embrace innovation. “Once I was an analogue journalist, but today I can tell you with pride that I am a digital journalist. The change is inevitable. Journalists must adapt to survive.”

He encouraged the media to remain still against disinformation, support the truth and public responsibility and honor the legacy of the fallen heroes of the press. “Our profession is under siege by partisan interference and the erosion of ethical values. But we must continue to stay still on the side of equity and public interest.”

Speaking also, the companion of Nuj Alhassan Yahaya has greeted the 70 -year -old journey of the Union as a testimony of the professionalism, patriotism and the power of journalism to model national development. He remembered how the Union, founded on March 15, 1955, began as a platform to support the well -being of journalists, but evolved into a powerful institution at the forefront of national speech and democracy.

Abdullahi described the Nuj Platinum Jubilee as a historical moment of celebration, reflection and renewed commitment to defend the role of journalism in the democratic journey of Nigeria.

“Our 70th anniversary is more than a simple commemoration of our past,” he said. “It is a battle cry for the future, we foresee a future rooted in ethical journalism, in responsible innovation and in the unstoppable defense for freedom of the press”.

It has observed that Nuj’s growth is reflected in its widespread presence in the 37 state councils of Nigeria, in the formation of affiliated bodies such as Nawoj, NGE and Swan and its historical role in telling the civil war of Nigeria, Coups, democratic transitions and current reforms. “We remained with the nation in its darkest and most brilliant hours,” he said.

Traine in progress in some parts of the country, Yahaya has accused journalists of maintaining ethical standards, in particular in conflict relations. “Our stories should aim to heal and unite, not to divide. We must report with empathy, precision and responsibility,” he said, while reaffiring the commitment of the Union towards the freedom of the press and constitutional democracy.

In the same way, the president of the organizational committee Nuj @ 70, Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde, described the celebration as a reference moment in the history of the Union.

“I am deeply moved by the overwhelming success of this celebration. He reflects the lasting spirit of Nuj and the vital role that the media continue to play in the Nigerian society,” he said.

He extended the sincere appreciation for the media houses, the dignitaries of the government and leaders Nuj and Nawoj passed through their support.

“We are particularly grateful for live coverage complete with NTA, Ait, Frcn, Von and others such as TVC, as well as many online platforms, which have ensured that Nigerians around the world could share this milestone,” he added.

While the curtains fell on the celebration, a message echoed stronger: journalism must evolve, but its values ​​must resist.

The theme, the theme “celebrating seven decades of journalistic excellence”, brought together government officials, media managers, veterans journalists and trade union leaders in a colorful celebration of freedom of the press and national impact.

The prizes were conferred on state governors selected for their policies and initiatives for the construction of peace, while expert journalists received plates of honor for their contributions for life.