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NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS CALLS FOR ACTION ON FOOD SECURITY AND INSECURITY DURING EID EL ADHA CELEBRATIONS

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has extended warm greetings to all Nigerians as they celebrate the Eid El Adha festival, a time for reflection, gratitude, and community. In a statement signed by the National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, the NUJ urged all Muslims and fellow citizens to take a moment for sober reflection on the pressing challenges facing the nation. Abdullahi commended the various developmental initiatives by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over the past two years, but noted that critical issues continue to threaten the nation’s stability and progress. “The resurgence of Boko Haram and rampant banditry have exacerbated insecurity in numerous regions, creating an environment where both humanitarian and developmental aspirations are jeopardized,” Abdullahi said. The NUJ president called on the Federal Government to reevaluate its strategies and assess the efficacy of its initiatives in addressing these challenges. “It is crucial to devise actionable and sustainable solutions to the multifaceted problems that continue to plague our nation,” Abdullahi emphasized. The union also highlighted the importance of adequate food supply as a basic human right and a cornerstone of peace and stability. “We must recognize that adequate food supply is not only a basic human right but a cornerstone of peace and stability,” Abdullahi said. As Nigerians celebrate the Eid El Adha festival, the NUJ urged them to remember those affected by insecurity and food scarcity, fostering a spirit of compassion and unity. “The Nigeria Union of Journalists stands ready to support initiatives that seek to elevate the voices of the marginalized and promote meaningful discourse aimed at achieving lasting solutions for our country,” Abdullahi added.

NUJ URGES FCT MINISTER WIKE TO ADOPT BALANCED APPROACH IN REVENUE ENFORCEMENT

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, to adopt a more balanced and empathetic approach in enforcing revenue collection measures in Abuja. While commending Wike’s commitment to infrastructural development and internally generated revenue drives, the NUJ expressed concern over the current revenue enforcement methods. “The recent sealing of hotels and businesses, though understood as a push for compliance, raises fears about possible business closures, job losses, and a weakening local economy,” the NUJ stated in a release signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi. The union advised the FCT Administration to ensure all enforcement actions, especially those involving ground rent collection and property seizures, strictly follow due process and legal frameworks. “Actions perceived as unilateral or excessive risk creating uncertainty, discouraging investment, and eroding public confidence,” the statement read. The NUJ also highlighted potential negative implications for Nigeria’s international image if enforcement measures are seen to trample on citizens’ rights or bypass democratic procedures. “Development in the FCT must reflect empathy, respect for human rights, and unshaken adherence to the rule of law,” the union emphasized. By adopting a balanced approach, the NUJ believes the credibility of the FCT Administration and the integrity of the Tinubu-led government can be safeguarded. The union urged Wike to reassess current enforcement strategies, prioritizing empathy, fairness, and protection of citizens’ rights.

NUJ FCT COUNCIL ELECTIONS: SHARON EMEPHIA EMERGES AS ASSISTANT SECRETARY

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Correspondents’ Chapel has congratulated Sharon Emephia on her emergence as Assistant Secretary in the recent FCT Council Elections. In a statement signed by Vice Chairman, Felix Ojo, the chapel celebrated Emephia’s outstanding achievement and commended her dedication to public service and the union. “Sharon’s commitment to serving the people, the union, and humanity has yielded remarkable results, and her election victory is a testament to her hard work and perseverance,” Ojo said. Felix Ojo expressed confidence that Emephia will continue to make significant contributions to the growth and development of the union in her new role. The chapel is proud of Emephia’s accomplishments and looks forward to her continued success. “We wish her well in her new position and pray for God’s guidance and protection as she navigates her new responsibilities,” Ojo added. Felix Ojo noted that Emephia’s election victory is a recognition of her hard work and dedication to the union. “We have no doubt that she will continue to make significant contributions to the growth and development of the union,” Felix Ojo said, as he congratulated Sharon Emephia once again on her achievement.

NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS SET TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL PRESS FREEDOM WEEK

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to celebrate the International Press Week, which comes up on Saturday, May 3, 2025. National Secretary Achike Chude, in a statement, said the event aims to recognize and honor men and women in the noble profession, as well as give various recognitions to deserving citizens across different spectrums of governance and socio-economic engagements. Chude said the event seeks to beam a searchlight on those things that act as a constraint to the free participation and functioning of the media in the country. “If the press is not free, then the society is in shackles,” NUJ National President Alhassan Yahya said. Yahya emphasized that press freedom is a catalyst for good governance, and good governance makes dividends of democracy available to citizens in real terms. The Good Governance Award, a major activity of the event, will serve as a veritable barometer for assisting good governance and promoting accountability of elected and appointed public office holders. Chude said the award will engender fair review and competitions among political office holders and business leaders and educate citizens to hold their leaders accountable. Yahya noted that despite challenges faced by journalists in Nigeria, the NUJ remains committed to upholding principles of ethical journalism and promoting high standards of professionalism.

GOVERNOR UMO ENO CONDOLES WITH FAMILY, NUJ OVER ABIGAIL ISAAC’S DEMISE

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has expressed deep sadness over the passing of Miss Abigail Isaac, Chairman of the Consolidated Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council. In a condolence message, Governor Eno described Isaac as a talented and dedicated journalist who left an indelible mark on the media landscape in Akwa Ibom State. He commiserated with her family, the NUJ, and the entire media community in the state over the irreparable loss. The Governor’s message, released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, reads in part: “I am deeply saddened by the news of Miss Abigail Isaac’s passing. My heart goes out to her family, the NUJ, and the media community in Akwa Ibom State.” Governor Eno prayed for the peaceful repose of Isaac’s soul and assured her family of the state government’s support during their time of grief.

CIVIL SOCIETY AND JOURNALISTS UNITE TO STRENGTHEN NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY

Nigeria’s electoral system has been plagued by deep-seated challenges, including attacks on journalists, vote buying, and political interference, which have eroded public trust in the system. In response to these concerns, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) convened an advocacy meeting in Abuja to chart a path towards credible elections, starting with the Anambra election scheduled for November 2025. The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the media and civil society, emphasizing the need for them to uphold their pivotal role in safeguarding democracy in the country. Speakers at the meeting highlighted pressing concerns, including political influence in media ownership, electoral malpractice, proliferation of fake news, and the independence of electoral bodies. The meeting also called for stricter accountability from security agencies following documented attacks on 89 journalists during the 2023 elections. To address these concerns, the meeting produced a series of resolutions, including urging journalists to intensify investigative reporting, hold public officials accountable, and collaborate with civil society to promote voter education. The meeting also called on President Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that politically exposed persons are not appointed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The National Assembly was tasked with unbundling INEC and making electronic result transmission mandatory. Furthermore, security agencies were urged to protect journalists covering elections and eliminate the militarization of the electoral process. Political parties were reminded of their duty to uphold internal democracy, transparent campaign financing, and issue-based campaigns. The essence of these discussions was to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy by ensuring electoral transparency, press freedom, and accountability at all levels, especially as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections.

VETERAN JOURNALIST GABRIEL GWAJIME PASSES ON AT 60

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has announced the death of a senior journalist, Elder Gabriel Gwajime. The late Gwajime died on Monday, February 10, 2025, in Abuja after a brief illness at the age of 60. In a statement, the Secretary of Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, stated that the NUJ FCT Council is saddened by the loss of Elder Gwajime, who left behind a legacy of excellence in journalism and a commitment to truth and integrity. Oyekunle added that the late Gwajime was a respected figure in the field of journalism and worked with the Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative, (CWAI) until his death. “He was known for his dedication to uncovering the truth and giving a voice to the voiceless even in the face of intimidation,” Oyekunle said. Comrade Oyekunle stated that the deceased had contributed in no small measure to the success stories achieved in the union and civil society community while in active service. He noted that the loss of Elder Gwajime is not only felt within the NUJ FCT Council but also across the journalism community. “He was a mentor to many and a friend to all, and his contributions to the journalism profession will not be forgotten,” Oyekunle added. The NUJ FCT Council has condoled with the immediate family and friends of the deceased and prayed to God to grant all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss as well as grant his soul eternal rest. Elder Gwajime is survived by five children and a few grandchildren. He hails from Onyian, Kunshisha, Local Government Area of Benue State. The funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.