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Tag: Nigeria Union of Journalists

  • NUJ urges transparency, effective deployment of tax resources

    NUJ urges transparency, effective deployment of tax resources

    Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has called for transparency, accountability, and effective deployment of tax revenues to infrastructure development as part of the sweeping tax reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    She made the call at the inaugural Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture organised by the House of Representatives Press Corps, with the theme “Navigating Tax Reforms in Nigeria: Insights on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Policies.”

    The lecture was delivered by former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited, Yakubu Dogara.

    The NUJ Chair noted that the reforms represent bold steps toward modernising Nigeria’s fiscal system, broadening the tax base, and reducing overdependence on oil revenues.

    “Tax reform is pivotal to Nigeria’s economic growth, fiscal sustainability, and social development. Under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing bold steps aimed at modernising and strengthening our tax system,” she said.

    Ike commended the administration’s commitment but stressed that the success of the reforms depends on how well revenues are used to improve infrastructure and citizens’ quality of life.

    “We must place emphasis on improved infrastructure, urging the government to deploy taxes effectively,” she noted.

    She also underscored the importance of clear communication of policies to ensure Nigerians understand their rights and responsibilities. According to her, the media has a central role in fostering dialogue and building public trust in the reforms.

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    “The media must provide accurate, unbiased information and foster public dialogue to build trust in these reforms. Transparency and accountability should guide every stage of implementation to protect the interests of all Nigerians,” she added.

    Ike further urged collaboration among all stakeholders—lawmakers, the executive, civil society, and the media—to ensure the reforms deliver tangible benefits.

    “Our collective goal must be a Nigeria with a robust economy, where tax policies contribute to sustainable development and improved quality of life for every citizen,” she said.

    She commended the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, for supporting the initiative, describing the lecture as a platform to enrich public policy engagement.

    Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, in his remarks, said taxation has become one of the most contentious issues in Nigeria today, with multiple narratives surrounding petroleum tax, data tax, and requirements such as the National Identification Number (NIN) for bank operations.

    He explained that the Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture was conceived to bridge the gap between the legislature and the public by simplifying parliamentary activities and clarifying national issues.

    “As journalists, the mirror of society and agenda setters, we believe this forum offers a unique opportunity to unpack these grey areas and simplify parliamentary activities for Nigerians,” he said.

    Onadiran added that the lecture aims to create a platform where distinguished parliamentarians, past and present, can share knowledge and provide clarity on topical national issues through the lens of the legislature.

    “This is vital, because the legislature remains the most misunderstood arm of government in Nigeria,” he stressed.

    He described the inaugural guest lecturer, Yakubu Dogara, as a statesman whose insights would enrich discourse on tax reforms and national development.

    “As Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives, he presided over the passage of historic bills, set legislative records, and distinguished himself as a bridge-builder committed to deepening democracy and promoting good governance,” he said.

    Also speaking, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture, Philip Nyiam, said the initiative marks a new chapter for the Press Corps, positioning journalists as agenda setters and contributors to national development beyond routine reporting.

    “This is novel in the history of the House Press Corps. It is part of efforts to change the narrative where journalists are seen as only reporting press releases, statements, and conferences. As the watchdog of society, we are also agenda setters and we also enlighten society on key issues of national interest,” he stated.

    Nyiam said the lecture was organised to demystify President Tinubu’s tax reform agenda, which has sparked apprehension and debate since its introduction. According to him, the event provides a platform to address controversies around the reforms and their role in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.

    “This will be the contribution of the Press Corps to the growth of our nation and the sustenance of democracy and good governance,” he added.

    He noted that the choice of Dogara as guest lecturer was deliberate, given his experience, courage, and legislative record, and expressed confidence that the deliberations would enrich national discourse on tax reforms and governance.

  • Journalist targets record-breaking 72-hour marathon interview for press freedom

    Journalist targets record-breaking 72-hour marathon interview for press freedom

    An Abuja-based journalist, Livinus Chibuike Victor, has planned to embark on a 72-hour marathon interview to promote press freedom in Nigeria.

    The historic Guinness World Record attempt for the longest interviewing marathon with the theme “Nigeria our strength” is scheduled to take place from April 17 to 20, 2025, at Harrow Park Golf Club, off Ahmadu Bello Way, behind Abia House, CBD, Abuja.

    Addressing newsmen at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council on Thursday on the marathon, Victor said despite increasing threats to press freedom across the world including censorship, harassment, and violence, journalists continue to carry out their mission with courage and integrity.

    He described journalists as the pillars of democracy and guardians of truth, noting that their role in promoting transparency, challenging power, and giving a voice to the voiceless cannot be overemphasised.

    According to him, in the face of mounting global pressures—ranging from media censorship to targeted attacks on reporters—journalists have continued to uphold the core values of truth and accountability.

    “As misinformation spreads and trust in institutions wavers, professional journalism remains a vital defense against disinformation and manipulation,” he said.

    Victor emphasised the need to protect press freedom, invest in quality journalism, end the harassment of media professionals, and recognize the indispensable role of journalists in building and sustaining open societies.

    He said the strength of any democracy lies in how empowered its press is, stressing that where journalists are free and protected, the people are better informed, and society is stronger.

    “As the world reflects on the vital role journalists play in upholding democratic values,” Victor said, “I am proud to announce a historic Guinness World Record attempt for the longest interviewing marathon tagged ‘Nigeria Our Strength.’

    He said the initiative is more than a personal milestone—it is a symbolic and collective act to draw national and international attention to the centrality of a free press in a thriving democracy.

    “The record attempt aims to highlight the enduring impact of journalism in a democratic society, a profession that continues to educate, empower, and hold those in power accountable,” Victor stated. “In an age where truth is often under siege, this initiative seeks to draw attention to the essential need for a free, ethical, and fearless press.”

    He noted that the world cannot afford a future where journalists are silenced, intimidated, or killed for doing their job. He added that the record-breaking attempt is his contribution to the broader call for respect, safety, and dignity for journalists in Nigeria and globally.

    “Democracy is impossible without an informed public, and journalists are the ones who make that possible,” he said. “This attempt is not just about setting a new world record; it’s about celebrating truth, integrity, and the powerful role journalism plays in building and sustaining open societies.”

    According to him, the Guinness World Record attempt will feature a series of engaging and thought-provoking interviews with notable individuals from diverse sectors, reflecting on national development, media ethics, civic responsibility, and freedom of expression.

    He said the event will also include discussions on the challenges and prospects facing the Nigerian media industry, spotlighting the courage and resilience of practitioners who continue to work under difficult and, at times, dangerous circumstances.

    Victor called on members of the public, media professionals, civic leaders, and advocates of democracy to be part of the experience by supporting and witnessing the event as it unfolds over the course of three inspiring days.

    He thanked the NUJ FCT Council for its support and called for more collaboration across the media, civil society, and governance sectors to safeguard press freedom and deepen the culture of accountability in the country.

    “This is our story to tell,” he concluded. “It is our voice to raise. It is our democracy to defend. And the time is now.”

    In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, praised the initiative as timely and courageous, describing it as a bold reflection of the enduring power of journalism to inform, educate, and drive societal progress.

    Delivering a speech titled ‘Press Freedom: The Foundation of Democracy’, Comrade Ike said the 72-hour interview marathon is more than just a showcase of physical endurance but a meaningful platform to amplify the voices of journalists on issues that matter globally.

    “This initiative is more than a showcase of endurance; it is a platform to amplify the voice of the media across the globe on issues that matter deeply to all of us,” she said.

    Ike reiterated that press freedom, media enhancement, and the resilience of journalists remain central to the work of the union and must be upheld as non-negotiable values in any democratic society.

    “Press freedom is not a privilege—it is a fundamental pillar of democracy. Protecting this freedom is our collective responsibility as journalists, policymakers, and citizens of the world,” she said.

    She decried the growing threats faced by journalists in Nigeria and globally, ranging from censorship and harassment to intimidation and even death. According to her, these dangers not only hinder the ability of journalists to report the truth but also pose a direct threat to democratic structures.

    “Through this 72-hour interview marathon, we aim to spotlight these issues and advocate for stronger protections for journalists in every corner of the world,” she said. “Press freedom must be non-negotiable in every society that aspires to justice, accountability, and equality.”

    The NUJ FCT Chairperson also touched on the urgent need for media enhancement in the face of rapid technological evolution. While acknowledging the benefits of digital innovation, she warned against the dangers of misinformation, fake news, and declining public trust in the media.

    “As journalists, we must embrace innovation while holding firmly to the ethical standards that define our profession,” she stated, adding that capacity building and training are crucial for the media to stay relevant and credible.

    She expressed pride in the NUJ FCT Council’s commitment to providing opportunities for professional development and assured that under her leadership, capacity enhancement would remain a top priority.

    On journalists’ welfare, Comrade Ike issued a strong call to action. She noted that many journalists operate under harsh and unsafe conditions without fair compensation or job security, and that such realities threaten the sustainability of the profession.

    “If we are to continue holding the powerful accountable, we must advocate for better welfare for journalists everywhere,” she said. “It is my hope that this event will draw attention to the need for fair compensation, adequate training, and professional safety for all media practitioners.”

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    She described the 72-hour marathon as not just a local event, but a global dialogue involving thought leaders, policymakers, and the public on issues that cut across borders—from governance and climate change to human rights and education.

    “Let this also serve as a moment of introspection and growth for the media. We must work harder to earn trust, listen to diverse voices, and tell stories that inspire change,” she added.

    As the first female Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council, Ike expressed personal pride in the symbolic power of the event, saying it offers an opportunity to break barriers, redefine narratives, and build a lasting legacy for future generations of journalists.

    “We invite members of the FCT to be active participants in this historic initiative. As an interviewer or a member of our audience, your contribution matters. Together, we can use the power of the media to bring about a freer, more informed, and more equitable world,” she said.

    “Let the 72-hour interview marathon mark a turning point for the media and society at large. Long live press freedom. Long live the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council.”

    In attendance at the briefing also were the Vice Chairman, NUJ FCT, Mr. Yahaya Ndambabo, the Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, and the Treasurer, Sandra Udeike, who also commended Victor and made their case for the need to protect press freedom in the country.

  • Don’t lose faith in Nigeria, NUJ Chairperson tells journalists

    Don’t lose faith in Nigeria, NUJ Chairperson tells journalists

    Vice chairman of the FCT Correspondents Chapel of the the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Grace Ike, has urged journalists and Nigerians not to lose faith in the Nigerian nation, assuring that brighter days are on the horizon.

    Ms Ike who is also the chairperson of the House of Representatives Press Corps, said amidst the prevailing hardship and austerity facing the nation and journalists alike, there was a message of hope and resilience. 

    In her Easter mesaage, she emphasized that Easter symbolizing renewal, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness. 

    While acknowledging the challenges journalists face, including dwindling resources and threats to press freedom, Ike encouraged perseverance in the face of adversity.

    She said Journalists should draw inspiration from the Easter story, while underscoring the importance of unity and commitment to truth and integrity in overcoming obstacles. 

    She particularly acknowledged the vital role of female journalists, expressing gratitude for their contributions and highlighting their significance in the Easter narrative.

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    Referring to the Gospel of John 11:25, Ike reflects on Jesus’ proclamation of himself as the source of eternal life and hope, and also noted the symbolic role of women in the Easter celebration, citing their faith, perseverance, and resilience. 

    “As the first witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection, women exemplify the message of hope and salvation, embodying faithfulness and devotion despite challenges,” she noted.

    Ike therefore called on journalists to remain steadfast in their dedication to informing the public and holding power to account.

    While emphasizing the enduring message of faith, perseverance, and unity embodied by Easter, the union leader urged all to look ahead with hope and determination.

  • New officials emerge for Adamawa NUJ

    New officials have been elected and sworn in to run the affairs of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Adamawa State.

    The offices of chairman and secretary were keenly contested for in the NUJ election which took place at the Press Centre in Yola on Saturday, while the other offices were taken by aspirants who had no opposition.

    Ishaka Donald Dedan of the state-run radio house, Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), was elected chairman. Dedan got 68 votes to defeat Kate Aliyuda of Adamawa Television (ATV) who got 47 votes, and Umar Dan Kano of the Correspondents’ Chapel who polled 33 votes.

    Fidelis Jockthan of Fombina FM was elected secretary of the NUJ with 85 votes, defeating his sole challenger, Emanuel Njiaprim of the Correspondents’ Chapel who got 61 votes. Abdullahi Ibrahim of the ATV became the vice chairman unopposed, while Isa Tukur of ABC was elected assistant secretary, similarly unopposed.

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    Mary Adamu of NTA became the financial secretary while Felicia Amos Dauda of Adamawa Publishing Ltd was elected treasurer.

    Delivering his acceptance speech, the chairman, Ishaka Dedan, appealed to the two people who contested for the position with him not to take his election as a defeat for them but to support him for the progress of the NUJ.

    “Power comes from the mighty God and He gives whom he wishes. I know how the NUJ members yearn for development. I can assure you that the new exco shall hit the ground running,” Dedan said.

     

  • Abductors demand N5m for journalist’s wife’s release

    Suleiman Abubakar,  the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Chairman, Correspondents’Chapel, Nasarawa State, has said the gunmen, who attacked him and abducted his wife, Yahanasu, demanded N5 million for her release.

    Abubakar told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lafia that the abductors on Wednesday evening attacked him, his wife and three other women.

    He said he narrowly escaped from the bus, while the abductors went away with his wife and the other victims.

    He said the women were abducted by the gunmen, following attack on Gudi-Garaku Road in Akwanga Local Government, on their way to Lafia, the capital.

    According to Abubakar, the assailants shot at the union’s bus conveying himself and the victims from Keffi, where his wife had gone to register at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp, at about 7p.m.

    “They called me this morning demanding N5 million in order to secure the release of my wife, however, I told them that I can only afford N50,000 and they said I was not serious.”

    “They also allowed my wife to speak with me on the phone to ascertain that she was alrigh, “ he said.

    “The bus ran into a ditch after being shot at while the gunmen swooped on us but I escaped while they took my wife and the other women.

    “One of the women is a wife of a former State House of Assembly member who they offered free ride.

    Meanwhile, ASP Samaila Usman, the Police Public Relations Officer  for the Police Command in the state, said that the command was working assiduously to secure the release of the victims unhurt

  • Gunmen kidnap four women in Nasarawa

    Gunmen on Wednesday attacked vehicles along the busy Akwanga-Akwanga-Keffi expressway kidnapping four women in the process.

    Chairman of Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists in Nasarawa State, Suleiman Abubakar’s wife, Yahanasu Abubakar, was among those kidnapped.

    Suleiman told newsmen that the incident happened around 7:00 p.m. along Gudi-Garaku road in Akwanga Local Government Area of the state.

    According to him, the gunmen shot at the union bus they were travelling in from Keffi, where his wife had gone to register at the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp.

    He said the bus ran into a ditch after it was shot at which gave the gunmen the opportunity to abduct his wife, the wife of a former state assembly member, who was on the bus as well as two other women from another vehicle.

    Meanwhile, ASP Samaila Usman, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, said the command had mobilised officers to the area to search and rescue the abducted women.

  • Nasarawa: Abductors demand N5m for journalist’s wife release

    Suleiman Abubakar, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Chairman Correspondents’ chapel, Nasarawa State has said that the gunmen, who attacked him and abducted his wife, Yahanasu  demanded for N5 million for her release.

    Abubakar told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lafia that the abductors had on Wednesday evening attacked him, his wife and three other women.

    He said he narrowly escaped from the bus while the abductors went with his wife and the other victims.

    He said the women were abducted by the gunmen, following attack on Gudi-Garaku Road in Akwanga Local Government Area of the state on their way to Lafia, the state capital.

    According to Abubakar, the assailants shot at the union’s bus conveying himself and the victims from Keffi, where his wife had gone to register at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp, at about 7p.m.

    “They called me this morning demanding for N5 million in order to secure the release of my wife, however, I told them that I can only afford N50,000 and they said I was not serious.

    “They also allowed my wife to speak with me on the phone to ascertain that she was alright, “he said.

    “The bus ran into a ditch after being shot at while the gunmen swooped on us but I escaped while they took my wife and the other women.

    “One of the women is a wife of a former State House of Assembly member who they offered free ride.

    Meanwhile, ASP Samaila Usman, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Police Command in the state, said that the command was working assiduously to secure the release of the victims unhurt.

  • Gunmen attack journalist, abduct wife, three others in Nasarawa

    Gunmen on Wednesday attacked Suleiman Abubakar, Chairman of Correspondents’ chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Nasarawa state and abducted his wife, Yahanasu Abubakar.

    Suleiman told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the incident happened at about 7 p.m. along Gudi-Garaku road in Akwanga Local Government Area of the state.

    According to Suleiman, the gunmen shot at the union bus they were travelling in from Keffi, where his wife went to register at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp.

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    He said the bus ran into a ditch after being shot at while the gunmen swooped on them, took his wife, the wife of a former state assembly member, who they gave a lift as well as two other women from another vehicle during the attack.

    Meanwhile, ASP Samaila Usman, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, said the command had mobilised officers to the area to search and rescue the abducted women. (NAN)

  • NUJ suspends three members for flouting boycott order

    The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ ), Nasarawa State Council, has sanctioned three of its members for violating its order to boycott the state government activities.

    The Chairman of the chapel, Mr Suleiman Abubakar, announced the suspension while addressing newsmen after a meeting of the chapel on Friday in Lafia.

    According to him, Mr Umar Mohammed of the Punch newspaper, Mr Linus Oota of the Sun and Mr Igbawase Ukumba of ThisDay are suspended from the union for three months.

    Abubakar said that the three journalists covered the inauguration of the state commissioners on Thursday by Gov. Umaru Al-Makura.

    He noted that the chapel had directed its members to boycott activities of the government and those of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    The chairman said that the chapel gave the boycott directive following expiration of a 24-hour ultimatum it gave the government over assault on two journalists by NSCDC.

    He said that the chapel gave the government 24 hours to sack Mr Abdullahi Oseze, the Director-General of the state Pension Bureau Office, and two others for their alleged roles in the journalists’ attack.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the journalists were brutalised on Dec. 14 by personnel of the NSCDC attached to the office for attempting to snap names of de-listed pensioners.

    The assaulted journalists are Mr Rabiu Omaku of the Universal Reporters Online and Gambo Ahmed of the Peoples Daily newspaper.

    Commenting ThisDay and Punch reporters correspondents admitted violating the order, but said they were carrying out their duties as instructed by their offices.

  • NUJ: Okowa congratulates Isiguzo

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Saturday congratulated Mr Chris Isiguzo, the new President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

    Okowa, whose congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu in Asaba, called on Isiguzo to take the issues of members welfare seriously.

    He expressed optimism that Isiguzo would make a difference in the task, given his wealth of experience and the positions he occupied in the profession.

    The governor also urged Isiguzo to key into the desire of the people of Nigeria for real change and good governance and to lead the body of journalists to support the peoples wish.

    Okowa assured the union of his support at all times.

    He also commended the immediate past President of the union, Mr Waheed Odusile for his contributions to the development of the journalism while in office.

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    According to Okowa, the election of Chris Isiguzo as the new President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists is not a surprise, following his antecedents as Vice President of NUJ, South East Zone.

    He said: “His emergence at this time is significant and momentous in view of the fact that Nigerians are desirous to enthrone a true democratic change in the way they are being governed.

    “The NUJ should strive to change the negative narrative on the issue of welfare of journalists seriously by ensuring better conditions of service and remuneration for working journalists and retired ones.

    “If the welfare needs of journalists who are watchmen against corruption in society are well taken care of, they would be better disposed to playing the critical roles expected of them as agents of good governance and accountability.

    NAN