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Tag: NUJ

  • NUJ FCT condemns attack on NTA Reporter by NRC MD, Kayode Opeifa

    NUJ FCT condemns attack on NTA Reporter by NRC MD, Kayode Opeifa

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has condemned the alleged harassment and verbal assault of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) reporter, Comrade Ladi Bala, by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Kayode Opeifa.

    The incident occurred on August 27, 2025, when Bala, a former president of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), was covering the aftermath of a train derailment along the Abuja–Kaduna rail line.

    Witnesses said Opeifa disrupted her live broadcast, verbally abused her with derogatory remarks, and ordered security personnel to forcefully remove her from the scene.

    In a statement signed by its Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ FCT Council described Opeifa’s action as “dehumanizing” and a violation of press freedom guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.

    “When NUJ officials reached out to the NRC boss, he cited security reasons for his action but continued to threaten Bala with reports to security agencies, the Presidency and NTA management,” the statement said.

    The NUJ further accused Opeifa of insulting the Council’s Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, who attempted to mediate in the matter.

    The union demanded an immediate and unreserved public apology from Opeifa and urged the NRC to take steps to prevent a recurrence. It also reiterated its zero tolerance for harassment and intimidation of journalists in the FCT.

  • Wife of Kaduna NUJ chairman is dead

    Wife of Kaduna NUJ chairman is dead

    The wife of the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Hajara Alabelewe, has passed away.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) understands that Alabelewe died in the early hours of Sunday, around 1 am, at a hospital in Kaduna following a brief illness.

    The NUJ chairman confirmed the incident, revealing to Journalists, that his wife died after battling malaria.

    Until her death, Mrs Alabelewe worked with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kaduna.

    According to the family, Janaza (funeral) prayers will be held at 2pm on Sunday at the Ansarul Islam Juma’at Mosque, Abakpa, by Lugard Roundabout, Kaduna.

  • NUJ inaugurates press clubs in FCT schools

    NUJ inaugurates press clubs in FCT schools

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, on Thursday inaugurated Press Clubs in two secondary schools within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of its 2025 Press Week activities.

    The initiative is aimed at mentoring students, sparking their interest in journalism, and encouraging them to consider it as a future career.

    The beneficiary schools are Beautiful Beginning Academy (BBA), Apo, and Government Secondary School (GSS), Garki.

    Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Ms. Grace Ike, who led the inauguration, said the goal was to “catch them young” by inspiring students early on to develop journalistic skills and uphold media ethics.

    “Mentorship is key. We also want to encourage healthy competition, discover talents in writing and broadcasting, and shape responsible future leaders,” she said.

    Ike added that the initiative would train students, raise awareness about press freedom, and educate them on journalism in a digital age marked by misinformation and fake news.

    She noted that starting with one private and one public school was a promising beginning, with plans to expand the programme across FCT schools.

    “I urge NUJ members to support this initiative as we build a future where journalism serves as a force for good,” she said.

    Vice Chairman of the Council, Mr Ndambabo Yahaya, described the clubs as platforms for instilling responsible journalism, civic engagement, and leadership.

    “School press clubs have historically produced some of Nigeria’s finest journalists and public intellectuals,” he noted.

    Yahaya said the initiative would promote media literacy, foster leadership, and sharpen students’ writing, speaking, and storytelling skills.

    He reaffirmed the NUJ’s commitment to capacity-building through periodic training for students and teachers, as well as inter-school press competitions to encourage creativity and excellence.

    “Journalism is not just writing news, it’s about curiosity, truth-seeking, and empowering people with information to make informed decisions,” Yahaya told the students.

    The event featured news presentations by the newly inaugurated press clubs as part of the 2025 NUJ Press Week activities.

    Mr Harry Essang, Principal of BBA, expressed gratitude to NUJ for selecting his school and commended the impact on students’ confidence.

    Club Patron, Kayode Mayode, also highlighted how the club had boosted students’ public speaking and writing skills.

    Student participants shared similar sentiments. Miss Asimawu Maitama, said the experience deepened her interest in journalism and improved her confidence.

    MrJoshua Itajuwa, who shares a passion for journalism with his sister, described the club as life-changing:

    “Before now, I feared speaking in public, but now I talk boldly and confidently anywhere,” he said.

    Miss Sule Favour, President of the GSS Garki Press Club, called the initiative a great opportunity, pledging to build on the legacy of Nigerian journalists.

    Her school principal, Mr Sadeeq Ochiji, lauded the council’s effort and expressed hope that the club would groom the next generation of media professionals.

    He also thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for renovating the school.

  • Nigerian journalists told to lead AI policy talk

    Nigerian journalists told to lead AI policy talk

    Mrs Busola Ajibola, a Deputy Director at the Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID), has called for clear policies to regulate the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria.

    Ajibola made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at a capacity-building workshop for members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council.

    The one-day media training, themed “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Journalism in Nigeria,” was organised by the NUJ FCT Council in partnership with Chevron Nigeria Limited.

    She urged journalists to lead national conversations on the urgent need for policies and regulations around AI.

    “Whether we like it or not, AI has come to stay, and it will continue to impact lives in unprecedented ways,” Ajibola said.

    She stressed the need for regulations to protect the information ecosystem against threats such as data theft, disinformation, and other risks posed by AI.

    “While we continue to leverage the benefits that AI offers, like understanding our audience better or improving revenue, we must be mindful of the challenges it poses to media integrity and journalistic credibility,” she added.

    Ajibola warned that AI was increasingly being used to undermine the information space, which could have serious implications for democracy if left unchecked.

    “If journalists do not rise to the occasion to protect information integrity, we will witness a degeneration of democratic values.

    “It’s critical for journalists to be equipped with tools to combat mal-information, misinformation, and disinformation, all forms of information disorder,” she said.

    She also highlighted how deepfake technology could mislead the public, especially during election periods, by circulating fake videos of politicians saying or doing things they never did.

    “If the media is not equipped to discern between fake and authentic content, it will be difficult to maintain public trust,” she warned.

    Ajibola further raised concerns about surveillance and ethical data use, pointing out that AI systems were largely built on data generated by individuals through devices and online activities.

    “There’s a big question about how these data are being used and who should be the custodian.

    “Some platforms now enable people to use AI to undress women digitally, this raises serious concerns around safety and consent,” she said.

    She emphasised the role of the media in asking critical questions around accountability, privacy, and ethics in AI development and usage.

    “Children are already using AI tools like ChatGPT on their phones and tablets. The question is: how do we ensure safety and ethical usage?.

    “Journalists must be on the frontline of this conversation.”

    Ajibola encouraged journalists to empower themselves with AI tools and knowledge to enhance their work, but urged caution and responsibility.

    “AI is already being used in newsrooms to summarise reports, transcribe interviews, restructure sentences, and analyse data. It can improve clarity, enhance reporting, and streamline editorial processes,” she said.

    However, she emphasised the importance of maintaining editorial oversight and ethical standards when using AI-generated content.

    “AI hasn’t come to threaten journalism; rather, we must leverage it to function optimally.

    “It can help suggest improvements in writing style, rephrase for clarity, summarise articles, and aid in content creation, but accuracy and truthfulness must remain non-negotiable,” she noted.

    Ajibola highlighted how AI tools could be used to detect gender bias in media content and beyond, and to analyse data for gender gaps in leadership, political representation, and budget allocations.

  • Chevron, NUJ FCT train over 70 journalists on AI

    Chevron, NUJ FCT train over 70 journalists on AI

    No fewer than 70 journalists in the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday received training on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost their efficiency, quality reportage, and curb misinformation.

    The training was organised by the Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) in collaboration with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council.

    Olusoga Oduselu, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited, represented by Mr Victor Anyaegbudike, stated that the one-day media training in Abuja aimed to enhance media practitioners’ skills.

    He emphasised Chevron’s belief in human capital development, seeing it as the “engine room of any organization and society’s success,”.

    The general manager stressed the media’s crucial role as agenda-setters and opinion molders.

    Highlighting the success of previous training editions held between 2023 and 2024, Oduselu pledged Chevron’s ongoing partnership with the media, acknowledging their impactful role in reporting the oil and gas industry.

    He mentioned CNL’s pioneering Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (AWARES) program, which had benefited over 120 journalists since 2014, and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to building professional capacity and lasting partnerships.

    Oduselu urged journalists to uphold ethical principles and make their mark in Nigeria’s development, noting Chevron’s support for Nigerian content development through employment and contract opportunities.

    Grace Ike, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, urged journalists to embrace AI to enhance performance and productivity, recognising its widespread adoption by colleagues globally.

    Commending Chevron for sponsoring the event, she emphasised that “AI is a powerful tool reshaping news gathering and delivery, enhancing data analysis, misinformation detection, and audience engagement.

    Ike highlighted AI’s crucial role in fact-checking, verification, and personalising content, which boosted credibility and readership.

    She also noted how AI tools efficiently transcribed interviews, saving journalists time for deeper analysis and storytelling.

    The chairperson called on journalists to “embrace innovation boldly but responsibly” and uphold integrity to lead journalism’s transformation.

    A resource person, Busola Ajibola, Deputy Director, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, urged journalists to be proactive in embracing trending innovations and technologies to improve their skills and knowledge.

    Speaking on the topic, “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Journalism in Nigeria,” Ajibola warned that journalists who failed to leverage AI would find their jobs threatened.

    Dr Emman Usman Shehu, Director, International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), represented by Dr Simon Musa Reef, discussed “Freedom of Information and Media Accountability.”

    He tasked journalists to utilize the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which empowered them to hold public officials accountable, emphasizing a recent Supreme Court ruling extending its applicability to all tiers of government.

    However, he also pointed out implementation challenges like limited awareness, official secrecy, harassment, and bureaucratic delays.

    Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe addressed “Mental Health of Journalists in the Era of Social Media,” highlighting both the opportunities (faster news dissemination, direct engagement) and threats (harassment, misinformation, surveillance, identity theft) posed by social media.

    He stressed that online attacks could cause significant psychological harm and that protecting journalists’ mental health was a professional responsibility, as their well-being was vital for public trust in journalism.

  • NUJ Chairman urges ethical use of AI in journalism

    NUJ Chairman urges ethical use of AI in journalism

    Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has called on media practitioners to uphold core journalistic values in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

    She emphasised the importance of authenticity, truthfulness, accuracy, and ethical practice as essential principles in navigating the evolving media landscape shaped by AI.

    Ike made the call on Tuesday while declaring open a workshop organised in collaboration with Chevron and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in Abuja.

    The theme of the workshop is: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Journalism: Ethical Use, Efficiency and Combating Misinformation”.

    Subtopics discussed at the workshop included: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Journalism in Nigeria. Freedom of Information and Media Accountability. Mental Health of Journalists in the Era of Social Media

    Comrade Ike noted that AI was no longer a futuristic concept but a powerful tool reshaping how news was gathered, verified, and delivered.

    She explained that AI enhanced journalists’ ability to analyse vast data, detect misinformation, and engage audiences more effectively.

    “AI offers unprecedented opportunities to improve the speed, accuracy, and reach of our reporting, while playing a crucial role in fact-checking and verification,” she said.

    She emphasised that with the rise of misinformation, especially during elections and public health crises, AI-powered platforms helped cross-reference claims against trusted databases and detect manipulated media such as deepfakes.

    According to her, this strengthens the credibility of journalism by reducing errors and misinformation.

    “However, embracing AI in journalism comes with ethical responsibilities. We must ensure transparency in AI algorithms and guard against biases that could skew reporting.

    “Upholding the core journalistic values of authenticity, truthfulness, accuracy, and ethical practice remains paramount as we integrate these technologies.”

    She affirmed that the NUJ FCT Council was committed to supporting media professionals in navigating this “brave new world.”

    “We advocate for continuous digital literacy, ethical AI use, and collaboration among journalists, technologists, and policymakers to ensure AI serves the public interest and democratic values,” she added.

    Ike urged journalists to embrace innovation boldly but responsibly, ensuring that technology enhanced their mission to inform, enlighten, and serve society with courage and integrity.

    She commended Chevron Nigeria and other partners for their commitment to media capacity-building through training programmes and equipping journalists with modern digital tools to uphold ethical standards and promote good governance.

    In his remarks, the General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs at Chevron Nigeria, Mr Olusoga Odeselu, said Chevron believed in the value of human capital development.

    He noted that more than 180 journalists participated in the training, which aimed to build their capacity and enhance their professional skills.

    “As members of the fourth estate of the realm, your role as agenda-setters and opinion moulders cannot be over-emphasised.

    “I want to thank you for your impactful role in reporting on the oil and gas industry and providing effective perspectives on complex industry operations,” he said.

    Odeselu affirmed that Chevron would continue to partner with the media for national development and recognised the need for continuous capacity building among media professionals.

    He added that Chevron’s vision was to be the global energy company most admired for its people, partnerships, and performance.

    “Energy is essential to modern life, and providing it is a profound responsibility. Our purpose is to develop affordable, reliable, ever-cleaner energy that enables human progress around the world.

    “We are always open to dialogue and further discussions if you require clarifications on stories directly affecting our company or the oil and gas industry,” he said.

  • Why Nigerian journalists should leverage FOI Act – Director

    Why Nigerian journalists should leverage FOI Act – Director

    Director of the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), Abuja, Dr. Emman Shehu, has called on Nigerian journalists to leverage the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the FOI Act was enacted in 2011 to promote transparency and accountability in governance.

    Dr. Shehu made the call at a training organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, with support from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and Chevron Nigeria Limited joint venture.

    The one-day training was held for journalists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday with the theme “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Journalism: Ethical Use, Efficiency and Combating Misinformation”.

    Speaking on the topic: “Freedom of Information and Media Accountability”, Shehu emphasised that access to information and the media’s role in holding power to account were essential to a functioning democracy.

    Represented by Mr Simon-Reef Musa, a columnist and member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), the IIJ Director noted that while the FOI Act marked a significant step toward transparency in Nigeria, its full implementation continued to face obstacles.

    “The FOI Act is a law that grants citizens the right to access information held by public authorities.

    “Its objectives include making public records freely available, ensuring transparency, protecting the public interest and personal privacy, and shielding public officials from adverse consequences when disclosing certain information,” he said.

    He added that more than 85 countries had adopted FOI laws in the last 25 years, signaling a global shift toward open governance.

    However, Shehu noted that the effectiveness of the laws varied, often depending on political will, resources, and institutional readiness.

    Shehu also referenced a Supreme Court ruling affirming that the FOI Act applied to all levels of government in Nigeria, including state institutions, a critical decision in addressing state-level resistance to the law.

    He recommended steps to strengthen the Act’s implementation, such as increasing public awareness, conducting workshops, launching educational campaigns, and incorporating FOI-related content into school curricula.

    Additionally, he called for stronger legal and institutional frameworks to support compliance.

    “This includes training personnel, digitising public records, and setting clear procedures for processing information requests.”

    Another guest speaker, Dr Lemmy Ughegbe, delivered a lecture titled “Mental Health of Journalists in the Era of Social Media.”

    He urged journalists to prioritise their mental and emotional wellbeing in the face of mounting professional pressures.

    “You must develop your emotional fortitude to the level where you are not afraid of arrest, but you must do the right thing,” Ughegbe advised.

    He also encouraged journalists to explore alternative income streams beyond social media, while staying courageous and committed to the truth in their reporting.

  • ​​NUJ FCT Secretary buries father in Oyo

    ​​NUJ FCT Secretary buries father in Oyo

    Comrade Jide Oyekule, Secretary of the FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), on Saturday, laid his late father, Pa. Samuel Ayanlola Oyekunle, to rest.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Pa. Oyekule, who passed away on 20th March, 2025, was buried at Oyekunle’s House, Oke Oremoje Custom Area in Iseyin, Oyo State.

    “Though he is no longer with us in person, his spirit continues to inspire and comfort us. We cherish the memories we shared and the lessons he imparted,” Comrade Jide stated in a tribute to his late father.

    In his biography obtained by TNG, the late Pa. Oyekule, a professional photographer, was fondly referred to by some of his friends and professional colleagues as “Akunle”.

    He was the leader of the Professional Photographers and Video Association in Iseyin town, Oyo State, and across Nigeria.

    According to the biography, he was the first son of an Oke-Ogun professional photographer to become the Deputy of the Nigeria Professional Photographer and Video Association (NPPVA), Oyo State.

    “He was also an active member of the Million Dollars Society-now Fiwasaye Society of Ilua town, a group that promotes the unity, progress, and good image of Ilua citizens worldwide.

    “He served the NPPVA meritoriously in various capacities for forty-eight (48) years. To his many admirers, he was an iconic professional, a peaceful man, a devoted Baptist, and a member of the Ebenezer Society in Oluwole Baptist Church, Iseyin.

    “”Akunlee” was a friend to the elite and prominent figures across Nigeria.

    “Pa. Samuel Ayanlola Oyekunle passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025 after a brief illness and receiving treatment at a private hospital, Oluyoro Specialist Hospital, Ibadan.

    “He was discharged in good health and continued coordinating several meetings with family and friends until the night of Wednesday, march 19th, 2025,” the biography reads.

    It was gathered that Pa. Oyekunle had three wives: Mrs. Christiana Olutayo, Mrs. Rachael Folasade, and Mrs. Esther Oluwayemisi Oyekunle. He is survived by wife, children, grandchildren, a caring brother and sister and many other loved ones.

    Samuel Ayanlola Oyekunle was born in Ile-Abese, Abese Compound, Ilua town, Kajola Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria, on October 27, 1949.

    His father was Pa. Amos Osinkunle Akano, a member of Ibukun Oluwa Baptist Church, Ilua, and the son of Papa Olaleye Iyanda Agbo of the Abese Compound in Ilua.

    His mother, Sarah Egunyoyin Ayinbo, was the daughter of the Onilua (king) of Ilua town, making them descendants of Iku Baba Yeye, the Alaafin of Oyo kingdom.

    Samuel Ayanlola, also known as “Alenu ma jata,” attended Baptist Day School in Ilua town from 1955 to 1960 and earned his Primary School Leaving Certificate.

    He was the first child of his mother. Due to his parents’ financial constraints, he moved to the city without knowing anyone.

    While in Ilua, he was inspired by secretariat officials who visited from the city to take student photographs. This early exposure sparked his desire to become a photographer.

    With his parents’ permission, he relocated to Ibadan and joined Sunlay Photo on Salvation Army Road, where he trained for a year.

    Following the death of his trainer in a motor accident, he moved to “Assaf Photo Art Studio,” owned by a white British man, on Lebanon Street, Oke-Paadi Area, Ibadan.

    He worked there from 1962 until October 31st, 1965, alongside others like Niyi Photo and Wolas Photo of Igbeti.

    “They all graduated together and started their own studios by December 31st, 1965.

    “Unsatisfied with the quality of camera equipment he was using, he worked with Nigeria Tobacco Company (now BAT) from 1966 to 1968 to save money.

    “In November 1968, two significant events occurred: the passing of his father and the acquisition of his first professional camera with a Kongo lens, along with a motorbike for mobility.

    “He briefly operated in Okeho before settling in Iseyin in October 1969. He lived with Mr. Muraina Dele Ajuwon, a teacher from Ilua, who accommodated him out of familial bond. “Omu kann alajo muu.” the biography reads.

    According to the biography, on January 1st, 1970, his vision was realized. The drummer boy of the Abese compound and the handsome son of the Onilua of Ilua town officially launched his photography studio at Gbagbonmi Compound, Oke-Oja Area, P.O. Box 28, Iseyin.

    Originally called Kunle Photo International Studio, it was later renamed OYEKUNLE & SONS PHOTO VIDEO PRODUCTION, as all his children became active participants in the family business.

    His work had a strong impact throughout Iseyin and the Oke-Ogun area.

    He was closely associated with prominent figures, including HRM late Oba Adeyeri Moshood Osuolale Aseyin of Iseyin-Land, late Chief James Ojewumi (former NURTW Oyo State Chairman & National Treasurer), late Prof. Moshood Abiola Peller (magician), Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha (former PDP State Chairman), Fulani, Hausa and many others across diverse sectors.

    He brought a fresh, creative, and disciplined approach to photography.

    Through OYEKUNLE & SONS, he trained 85 certified professional photographers and 25 indirectly mentored professionals, now working peacefully across Nigeria and globally.

    He was an accomplished professional icon, an educated and exposed elite who used his skills to empower the less privileged and improve society through photography.

    “The church (Oluwole Baptist Church) once testified that shortly before his passing, he had called Rev. Dr. R.O. Bolaji to discuss his tithe payment as usual, a reflection of his unwavering faith and consistency,” the biography read.

    He received the 2024 Men’s Missionary Union Award from Oluwole Baptist Church, along with numerous awards from various professional bodies and the church.

    “Pa. Samuel Ayanlola Oyekunle was a man of many parts: gifted, intelligent, principled. and rich in historical and cultural knowledge as a true Omo Ayan (a drummer’s child) and a proud son of Ilua.

    “Always neatly dressed, he was a rare gem in the photography world, a seasoned administrator, a committed and fearless leader, and a steadfast Christian. He was a loving husband and a devoted father,” the biography added.

  • Tinubu tasks media on national unity, ethical journalism as NUJ celebrates 70 years

    Tinubu tasks media on national unity, ethical journalism as NUJ celebrates 70 years

    …as ex Gov Osoba challenges impostors, demands digital adaptation in the newsroom

    …our stories should aim to heal and unite, not to divide or incite – NUJ President

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized the pivotal role of the Nigerian media in fostering national unity, strengthening democracy, and shaping the country’s future, urging journalists to recommit to ethical journalism and nation-building.

    President Tinubu made the call at the 70th Anniversary Gala, Award Night, and Book Presentation of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), held Saturday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

    He was represented by the minister of Information and National Orientation Mohamned Idris

    The Minister, who also served as Chief Host of the event, hailed the enduring relationship between President Tinubu and the media, describing him as a staunch ally of press freedom.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not just a friend of the media, but one whose democratic credentials were shaped in solidarity with Nigeria’s most courageous journalists,” Idris noted. “From the trenches of the June 12 struggle to the presidency, his affinity with the press remains unmatched.”

    He urged media professionals to spotlight Nigeria’s democratic gains and progress stories to help consolidate the nation’s 26-year democratic journey and foster civic confidence in public institutions.

    “The media must take the lead in telling the story of Nigeria’s democratic achievements, in governance reforms, infrastructure growth, civic engagement, and socio-economic development,” Idris said.

    While reaffirming Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to press freedom, Idris highlighted the growing threats of fake news, disinformation, and the disruptive influence of artificial intelligence on journalism practice.

    “The rise of generative AI and deepfakes poses a direct challenge to credible journalism. In this era, ethical journalism is not just important, it is essential,” he warned.

    He disclosed that the Federal Government, in partnership with UNESCO, is establishing a world-first Category-2 Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja, a landmark initiative aimed at promoting media responsibility and literacy in the digital age.

    “When operational, this Institute will serve as a transformative hub for building ethical journalism and informed citizenship in Nigeria,” he announced.

    Idris also pledged the government’s willingness to partner with the NUJ on matters of journalists’ welfare, digitisation, gender inclusion, and institutional support.

    Also speaking at the landmark event, elder statesman and veteran journalist, Chief Olusegun Osoba, called on the Federal Government and NUJ leadership to urgently tackle the menace of fake journalism in Nigeria.

    “Mr. President, you have a challenge. Can you ensure we now have an updated, verifiable database of genuine members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists ? We must identify and weed out those parading themselves falsely as journalists,” he charged.

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

    He stressed the importance of professionalism and integrity, especially as the country navigates the challenges of digital media.

    Reflecting on his career, Osoba recounted his own transition from analog to digital journalism, urging practitioners to embrace innovation. “I was once an analog journalist, but today I can proudly tell you that I am a digital reporter. Change is inevitable. Journalists must adapt to survive.”

    He encouraged the media to stand firm against misinformation, uphold truth and public accountability, and honour the legacy of fallen heroes of the press. “Our profession is under siege from partisan interference and the erosion of ethical values. But we must continue to stand firm on the side of fairness and public interest.”

    Also speaking, NUJ President Comrade Alhassan Yahaya hailed the Union’s 70-year journey as a testament to professionalism, patriotism, and the power of journalism to shape national development. He recalled how the Union, founded on March 15, 1955, began as a platform to advocate for journalists’ welfare but evolved into a powerful institution at the forefront of national discourse and democracy.

    Abdullahi described the NUJ’s Platinum Jubilee as a historic moment of celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment to defending the role of journalism in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

    “Our 70th anniversary is more than just a commemoration of our past,” he said. “It is a rallying cry for the future we envision a future rooted in ethical journalism, responsible innovation, and unrelenting advocacy for press freedom.”

    He noted that the NUJ’s growth is reflected in its widespread presence across Nigeria’s 37 state councils, the formation of affiliate bodies like NAWOJ, NGE, and SWAN, and its historic role in chronicling Nigeria’s civil war, coups, democratic transitions, and current reforms. “We have stood with the nation in its darkest and brightest hours,” he said.

    Amid ongoing insecurity in parts of the country, Yahaya charged journalists to maintain ethical standards, particularly in conflict reporting. “Our stories should aim to heal and unite, not divide. We must report with empathy, accuracy, and responsibility,” he said, while reaffirming the Union’s commitment to press freedom and constitutional democracy.

    In the same vein, the Chairman of the NUJ @ 70 Organizing Committee, Dr Abimbola Oyetunde, described the celebration as a landmark moment in the union’s history.

    “I am deeply moved by the overwhelming success of this celebration. It reflects the enduring spirit of the NUJ and the vital role the media continues to play in Nigerian society,” she said.

    She extended heartfelt appreciation to media houses, government dignitaries, and past NUJ and NAWOJ leaders for their support.

    “We are especially grateful for the comprehensive live coverage by NTA,AIT, FRCN, VON, and others stations like TVC, Arise as well as many online platforms, which ensured Nigerians everywhere could share in this milestone,” she added.

    As the curtains fell on the celebration, one message echoed loudest: journalism must evolve, but its values must endure.

    The event, themed “Celebrating Seven Decades of Journalistic Excellence,” brought together government officials, media executives, veteran journalists, and union leaders in a colourful celebration of press freedom and national impact.

    Awards were conferred on selected state governors for their media-friendly policies and peace-building initiatives, while seasoned journalists received plaques of honour for their lifetime contributions.

  • Housing Minister backs NUJ FCT Journalists’ Village project

    Housing Minister backs NUJ FCT Journalists’ Village project

    The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has pledged his support for the proposed Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Journalists’ Village project.

    Dangiwa made the pledge during a courtesy visit by the NUJ FCT leadership, led by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, on Friday in Abuja.

    The Minister lauded the vital role journalists play in nation-building and assured them they would not be left out of the government’s housing plans.

    “Your voices matter. You help explain government policies to the public and hold us accountable, something we value greatly,” he said.

    Dangiwa assured the NUJ that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) would support the development of the Journalists’ Village through a cooperative housing scheme.

    However, he emphasised that the first step was for the Union to secure a titled plot of land.

    “Once you get a titled plot and a housing design in place, bring it to us. Through the FMBN, we will help build affordable homes for journalists, payable over about 30 years,” he stated.

    He advised the Union to engage an architect to design the houses, and promised to direct the FMBN to initiate a cooperative housing development scheme to build the estate.

    He also recommended that the union presented a list of off-takers, journalists who would benefit from the housing, with a payment plan extending up to 30 years at an interest rate of six per cent.

    Additionally, the Minister promised that the ministry would inspect the ongoing NUJ FCT Pentagon building to explore further support.

    He briefed the union on key initiatives under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, a transformative effort aimed at addressing the housing deficit and creating jobs.

    “The Renewed Hope Housing Programme has three key components: Renewed Hope Cities, 1,000 housing units in each of the six geopolitical zones and the FCT.

    “Renewed Hope Estates – 250 units in each state capital.

    “Renewed Hope Social Housing, 100 units in each Local Government Area nationwide.”

    Dangiwa also announced the commencement of work on more than 10,000 housing units across 14 states and the FCT.

    He emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing the housing deficit through large-scale, nationwide projects.

    He noted that the Ministry had adopted a transparent approach to housing allocation by creating the Renewed Hope Housing Portal, accessible at www.renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng

    Earlier, Comrade Ike expressed appreciation to the Minister and President Tinubu for their commitment to building 50,000 new homes in the first phase of the housing programme.

    She commended the achievements recorded so far, including the delivery of 10,000 homes, the expansion of slum upgrade projects, and reforms in the housing sector, particularly improvements in the Federal Mortgage Bank and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

    Ike also lauded the minister’s international engagements and initiatives like the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme and housing support for people with disabilities.

    “Housing is not just shelter, it’s dignity and a foundation for national growth. Journalists, as defenders of democracy, must not be left out,” she said.

    She called on the Minister to support the establishment of the Journalists’ Village in Abuja, which would provide affordable housing and peace of mind for media professionals.

    She also appealed for support to complete the NUJ Pentagon building and to construct a modern conference hall to serve more than 2,000 journalists.

    Additionally, she requested partnerships in Urban Renewal programmes, emphasising that journalists should be seen not only as reporters but as active members of their communities.

    Ike further advocated for access to housing finance, ensuring journalists benefited from mortgage schemes, and requested training to help them better understand housing policies and financial options.

    She assured the Minister of the NUJ’s continued support, not only to report on government efforts but to collaborate for national development.