Tag: Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)

…NUJ chair tasks media practitioners on embracing real-time journalism

The Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has successfully trained over 50 journalists in solutions journalism during a seminar in Asaba, the state capital.

This initiative was part of the chapel’s three-day Seminar/Workshop held from November 26 to 28, commemorating the Week and Second Anniversary of its current executive members.

Chapel Chairman Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye emphasised the importance of this training, which included participants from various sister chapels and online media groups.

He said the training aimed to broaden journalists’ understanding of the opportunities available to them, enabling them to perform effectively and act as development partners in their communities.

Olannye highlighted that traditional event coverage is no longer sufficient for professional journalists, saying that there is a critical need for them to enhance their skills and knowledge to remain relevant in the ever-evolving media landscape.

The chapel chair stated, “The training is centered on Ethical Reporting, Development Communication and Solutions Journalism”.

He said journalism is not all about fault-finding and attacking authorities, but to explore, investigate, set an agenda, and proffer solutions as agents of positive change.

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Olannye said, “It is in our quest to change the current poor power generation and electricity supply in the country that informed the main theme of the seminar ‘Understanding the Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda: Meaningful Development in the Power Sector, a Panacea for Economic Recovery and Development of Delta State and Nigeria’.

“So, we as journalists are expected to take the lead by setting the agenda for those in authority and also ensure we guide and give the needed support to enable them to realize their set goals.

“This training is designed to create new ideas to enable us to learn because learning is never exhaustive; we keep learning till our last breath

“As journalists, we need to sharpen our knowledge and skills to meet the current trends in journalism, that is, balancing our daily reportage with a mindset of proffering solutions to the problems of our society and not aggravating it through our reports.

“This is why we are looking beyond the usual daily coverage of events, but take a deeper look at ‘Solutions Journalism’ to give hope to the people and the entire community where we live.

“This is because what we report as journalists determines how safe and protected our lives are and the entire society.”

He thanked the state government for partnering with the chapel on the training while urging other stakeholders to extend support to the chapel for subsequent training of its members for greater results.

In his remarks, the Chairman, NUJ, State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, lauded the Chapel for organising a resounding press week.

According to him, journalists need to be updated regularly to remain relevant and perform optimally.

“This is where this training becomes very important, ‘Solution Journalism’ — reporting what works and not just what is spoken”.

He said the training offered an opportunity for members to be retooled on how to acclimatise with modern-day real-time journalism.

On his part, the guest lecturer and resource person, Mr Raphael Obasiohia, said the training was aimed at adding new ideas to what the participants already know.

He explained that solutions journalism is a rigorous, evidence-based approach to reporting on responses to social problems, rather than just focusing on the problems themselves.

He said the concept goes beyond highlighting a problem to investigate and report on how people are responding, including providing insights, data on effectiveness, and acknowledging the limitations of the solution.

Onasiohia, a solutions journalism expert, noted that the goal is to provide the public with examples of what works, what doesn’t, and the lessons that can be learnt from different approaches. 

…calls for improved security

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Sokoto State Council has urged the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to ensure a transparent and effective system for distributing relief materials provided by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to victims of the recent boat mishap.

In a 20-point communiqué issued at the end of its congress on Saturday, the union stressed the importance of getting the donated items directly to genuine victims.

The communiqué was signed by the council chairman, Usman Muhammad Binji, and secretary, Muhammad Nasiru Bello.

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The union also appealed to the state government to reduce prices of goods at Kantin Sauki outlets following the recent drop in food and essential commodity prices.

On environmental issues, it called for more refuse dump sites, strict enforcement of environmental laws, action against indiscriminate tree felling, and community involvement in maintaining cleanliness.

Addressing insecurity, the congress urged government and security agencies to intensify efforts against banditry and ensure that subsidized fertilizers and farm inputs reach genuine farmers without middlemen interference.

The NUJ commended the state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, for maintaining good relations with the union and delivering a lecture on the role of communities and social media in security management.

The congress also expressed sympathy to the families affected by the boat mishap and praised the state government for its quick intervention and preventive measures.

Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Federal Capital Territory, Grace Ike, has sent warm birthday greetings to Chairman of Board of Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN), Dr Unoma Akpabio.

Ike, also of ADBN, hailed her as a “visionary leader, compassionate employer, and a beacon of hope for the less privileged.”

In a congratulatory message she praised Mrs Akpabio, wife of the Senate president o, for her contributions to society, in education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, community development, and others.

“Mrs Akpabio has shown a commitment to improving lives of the vulnerable in our society. From awarding scholarships to disadvantaged children and facilitating medical outreaches, to empowering women through skill training and supporting community infrastructure, her influence has been far-reaching and impactful.

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“Among her notable philanthropic interventions are funding of medical treatments for the indigent, scholarships, medical care as well as projects in local governments in Akwa Ibom State.

 “Her generosity and devotion to social responsibility have set a benchmark for corporate citizenship. She continues to inspire many with her integrity and tireless service.”

 “As Mrs Akpabio celebrates another year of life, I join other well-wishers in praying for her good health, strength, and prosperity.

“Happy Birthday, Dr Akpabio! May your compassion and vision continue to illuminate the path for many,” she said.

Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Grace Ike, has felicitated Muslim journalists and the Muslim community on this year’s Eid-ul-Adha.

In a message on behalf of the council’s executive and members, Ike congratulated the Muslim faithful, describing Eid-ul-Adha as a sacred festival that symbolises sacrifice, obedience, compassion, and faith.

“These timeless values,” she noted, “not only enrich our spiritual lives but also serve as guiding principles for us as journalists in our pursuit of truth and service to humanity.”

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She urged journalists to use the occasion to reflect on the significance of the season by fostering unity, supporting one another, and upholding professional integrity in the union and the country.

“May this season of sacrifice bring peace to our hearts, prosperity to our homes, and renewed strength to our bond as colleagues and comrades in the noble pen profession,” she added.

Ike concluded her message by wishing all Muslim members of the union and their loved ones a peaceful and joyful celebration.

A former National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Pa Jola Ogunlusi, is dead.

A  statement issued yesterday by a leading member of the family, Mr. Gbenga Aruleba, who is also a popular television journalist, disclosed that Ogunlusi, 91, died on Saturday at 9:54 am, after a brief illness.

Papa Jola, as he was fondly known, indeed lived a fulfilled life, a life dedicated to the service of humanity and God.

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The statement recalled, among others, his struggle and advocacy, alongside others, for the creation of the Amuwo Odofin Local Government in Lagos State when he was President of the FESTAC Town Residents Association.

The statement read in part:“ From his active days as a Journalist in the early 70’s and later his assumption of office as the National Secretary of The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Pa Ogunlusi was indeed an epitome of dedication, loyalty and singular commitment to equity, Justice and fairness.

Grace Ike of Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN) was yesterday elected as first female Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council.

Ike was sworn in with four other executive members.

They are Yahaya Ndambabo, of Voice of Nigeria (VON), as vice chair; Jide Oyekunle, of Independent as secretary; and Sandra Udeike, of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) as treasurer.

The election, unopposed, was conducted by officials from National Secretariat of NUJ.

There was a huge turn out of journalists from media organisations and chapels in FCT.

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The elected officials will pilot affairs of the union for the next three years in FCT while the vacant positions will be filled through a by-election.

The oath of office was administered by Ehidiamen Isibor under watch of the Credentials Committee, led by Mr. Henry Umoru and members.

In her speech, Ike, among others, promised to work to ensure better welfare for members.

She said her election marks a new dawn for journalists in the nation’s capital.

Ike urged all to work together for progress of the union.

She was former chairperson of House of Representatives Press Corps and vice chair  of FCT Correspondents Chapel, where she was outstanding.

She had worked with Independent Television ( ITV) and  Silverbird Television.