The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, has congratulated the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on its 70th anniversary, acknowledging the union’s resilience and vital role in national development.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Abbas emphasized the need for improved welfare for Nigerian journalists, recognizing their contributions to democracy and governance.
“Journalists play a crucial role in holding the government accountable and shaping public discourse. It is only fair that their welfare is prioritized to ensure a thriving media sector,” he stated.
Call for Continuous Training and Media Development
The Speaker also urged journalists to continuously train and retrain themselves to remain ethical, professional, and development-oriented. He stressed that in the era of rapid digital transformation, media professionals must learn, unlearn, and relearn to stay relevant in the industry.
“With evolving trends in information and communication technology (ICT), journalists must embrace lifelong learning to enhance their reporting skills and maintain credibility,” he advised.
Journalists as Pillars of Democracy
Dr. Abbas commended the Nigerian media’s pivotal role in upholding democracy, describing journalists as the Fourth Estate of the Realm—a crucial pillar of governance with significant influence on society.
He further expressed the readiness of the House of Representatives to support legislative efforts aimed at strengthening press freedom, enhancing journalists’ capacity, and safeguarding the profession’s integrity.
“A well-trained and well-supported media sector leads to a better-informed society. The House is open to laws that protect journalism’s sanctity and enhance the capacity of media professionals,” Abbas assured.
As the NUJ marks seven decades of press advocacy, the Speaker reaffirmed his commitment to fostering an environment where journalists can thrive, urging stakeholders to prioritize media reforms and welfare improvements.
