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  • NUJ FCT inaugurates monthly fitness exercise for journalists

    NUJ FCT inaugurates monthly fitness exercise for journalists

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has urged its members to embrace regular exercise to stay fit and become more productive.

    The Chairperson, Ms. Grace Ike, made the call during the council’s inaugural Keep-Fit monthly exercise at the council’s secretariat on Saturday in Abuja.

    She also advised journalists to have regular health check-ups to stay physically and mentally alert and better discharge their responsibilities to society.

    “Many of us suffer from joint pains because we don’t exercise enough; our work involves a lot of sitting, whether in the field, writing, or other activities.

    “Find time to keep fit; even if you cannot come to the council; establish a routine exercise at home.

    “Wherever you are, try to exercise daily. Take health walks, check your blood pressure, and monitor your health.

    “Not everyone is strong or fit, and with this exercise, we will be able to identify those with health concerns.

    “I am glad the upcoming Press Week will feature a team of doctors from Nizamiye Hospital to conduct medical check-ups for our members,” she said.

    Ike described the monthly exercise as a first-of-its-kind initiative by the council and part of new measures her administration promised to introduce.

    She urged members to participate in the exercise every last Saturday of the month as a way to improve their health.

    She added that while the union pursued health insurance for members, regular exercise remained essential.

    “NUJ FCT is setting the pace for journalists to be fit so we can continue chasing news and stay healthy.

    “I know many found the exercises challenging because we have not been active for some time. It’s time to regain our energy.

    “We want to be fit to chase stories, go to the field, and keep our nose for news,” Ike said.

    Nkechi Onyeneke, a member of the NUJ Sport Planning Committee, emphasised that exercise was key to healthy living, saying, “If you are fit, you are healthy.”

    She encouraged journalists in the FCT to embrace and participate in the initiative, noting it would be a continuous activity.

    “As a journalist in the FCT, if you miss this, you are missing a lot. Try to make it next time because we are trying to keep fit,” she said.

    Halima Jibrin of the Correspondent Chapter described the initiative as a milestone achieved by the NUJ FCT leadership, urging that it be sustained and proposed to other councils.

    “I believe Grace Ike should take this to the NEC so every NUJ chapter across the country can adopt it and promote fitness.

    “It’s not enough to stay behind the camera or screen without realising that health is wealth. Let’s keep fit and be healthy.

    “No matter who you are, if you’re not fit, you won’t enjoy what you’ve earned,” Jibrin added.

    Ajoke Adisa of TVC News urged journalists to prioritise their health, noting many lived sedentary lifestyles.

    Commending the union’s initiative, Adisa said if members sustained and practiced the habit, they would benefit greatly.

    “Over the years, sicknesses like diabetes and high blood pressure have been major killers, especially for journalists who don’t make time to unwind.

    “This is a good initiative that will help restore the culture of health consciousness,” she said.

    Ajoke appealed to all Nigerians to find 20 to 30 minutes daily for exercise.

    Alpha Jackden, a council member, expressed joy at participating in the exercise and encouraged members to exercise regularly beyond the monthly sessions.

    “From what I’ve seen today, many of us are not fit, so it’s important to exercise regularly, not just once a month,” Jackden said.

  • Minister raises alarm over deepfake videos targeting public officials

    Minister raises alarm over deepfake videos targeting public officials

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has expressed concern over the growing misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to produce deepfake videos that falsely depict public officials in compromising situations.

    Speaking on Friday during a courtesy visit by the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji Alhassan Yahaya, Idris stressed the need to address the manipulation of digital content without infringing on free speech. His remarks were shared in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Rabiu Ibrahim.

    “We are witnessing the double-edged nature of AI. While it has immense potential for good, it can also be weaponized. Someone can be seated here, and elsewhere a video could surface showing that same person, digitally altered, in a completely misleading context,” Idris said.

    He noted that such videos have been used to distort statements made by government officials, including the President, thereby misleading the public and damaging reputations.

    “These deepfakes don’t just affect individuals—they traumatize families and destroy public trust,” he added.

    Idris revealed that the Federal Government is working with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to improve digital accountability while protecting freedom of expression.

    “We’re not alone in this. The global community is coming together to tackle the challenge. UNESCO, in particular, is leading the charge,” he noted.

    UNESCO, he said, has compiled input from over 100 countries and 10,000 contributors to develop comprehensive guidelines for digital content creators aimed at preserving the integrity of online information.

    The Minister urged the NUJ to actively participate in combating misinformation and upholding journalistic standards.

    “We take the threats of fake news and misinformation seriously. We urge the NUJ to collaborate with us in rooting out quackery in the media and encouraging both professional and citizen journalists to share only verified information,” Idris said.

    He also informed the NUJ about the establishment of a Category 2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute in Nigeria, approved by UNESCO. This first-of-its-kind global institute will train journalists, students, and the public in digital literacy, responsible content creation, and combating fake news.

    Congratulating the NUJ on its 70th anniversary, Idris reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s strong commitment to press freedom, describing it as essential to the growth of democracy in Nigeria.

    In his response, NUJ President Alhaji Alhassan Yahaya praised President Tinubu for appointing a media professional to head the Information Ministry. He pledged the union’s support in amplifying the administration’s achievements and briefed the Minister on upcoming activities to celebrate the NUJ’s 70th anniversary, during which the Minister will serve as Chief Host.

     

  • NUJ condemns attack on Bayelsa radio station

    NUJ condemns attack on Bayelsa radio station

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Bayelsa Council, has condemned the recent attack by gunmen on a private radio station, Rhythm 94.7Fm in Yenagoa.

    The NUJ Bayelsa Council Chairman, Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha, and the Secretary of Council, Comrade Stanley Imgbi, made their feelings known in a statement to newsmen on Monday in Bayelsa.

    They described the attack as a rape on the entire media family in Bayelsa and on press freedom.

    “The state council was informed that the gunmen on two separate days, Saturday, May 17, at about 2: 10p.m and on Sunday, May 18, at 4: 40p.m attacked the station and carted away valuables.

    “Some of the valuables collected include mobile phones, recorders and operational gadgets belonging to staff on duty,” Yemoleigha said.

    He enjoined the security apparatus, especially the Commissioner of Police, to fish out the perpetrators of the crime and bring them to book.

    He further urged that a police patrol van be stationed around the media house, as is the case in several strategic points in Yenagoa because of the isolated location of the radio station.

    The NUJ Bayelsa boss, however, expressed gratitude to God that no life was lost during the attack.

  • NUJ FCT, Nizamiye Hospital partner for free medical outreach, praise FG’s elimination of drug tariffs

    NUJ FCT, Nizamiye Hospital partner for free medical outreach, praise FG’s elimination of drug tariffs

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, is partnering with Nizamiye Hospital, a private medical facility, to organize free medical outreach in the month of June and during its upcoming Press Week.

    This initiative aims to promote public health awareness and provide free healthcare services to journalists within the Federal Capital Territory.

    During a recent courtesy visit to Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja, the NUJ delegation, led by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, discussed potential areas of collaboration, particularly in health advocacy and community service.

    The hospital, represented by its Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Mohammed Abubakar, expressed readiness to support the Press Week and series of medical outreach for journalists.

    “We welcome this kind of partnership,” Abubakar said, adding: “All we need is a formal letter outlining the outreach plan, and we will proceed together.”

    Abubakar urged the media to highlight the quality healthcare options available locally to help reduce the increasing trend of medical tourism.

    He also shared the hospital’s successful outreach programs, which have served thousands of Nigerians in Nasarawa, Katsina, Bauchi, Owerri among others.

    “In Kefi, we treated about 2,500 patients over two days. In Katsina, around 2,250; in Bauchi, approximately 2,700; and in Owerri, about 1,700. Just last week, we attended to about 800 people, including those from neighboring areas who rushed to the venue.

    “We initially planned to see between 1,500 and 2,000 patients. We also left remaining medications at the local facility for continued use,” he explained.

    Abubakar added, “Our outreach covers multiple specialties including cardiology, orthopaedics, paediatrics, gynaecology, ophthalmology, and dentistry.”

    According to him , the outreach programs are part of their corporate social responsibility to assist the less privileged in the society as well as promote well being of people.

    He further commended the Federal Government for taking off import tariffs on pharmaceuticals, noting that this policy would significantly improve access to essential medicines.

    “It’s not all about business but also helping people. For instance we pay so much on electricity and keep our foreign doctors” he added.

    He said medical tourism remains one area the media should tackle and create more awareness on treatments in Nigeria.

    In her remarks, Comrade Grace Ike praised Nizamiye Hospital’s dedication to quality healthcare and its ongoing community support efforts.

    She reaffirmed the union’s commitment to raising awareness about local healthcare solutions and improving the welfare of its members through strategic partnerships.

    “We look forward to a stronger partnership beyond this medical outreach. For example, issues like supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) in partnership with states are not well publicized.

    “Our platform can help amplify such causes across the country, given that we represent all journalists in the FCT,” Ike said.

    She added, “We also have our own news platform and website, which can be used to further promote these initiatives. This collaboration is just the beginning of a broader partnership beyond the medical outreach.”

    Both parties confirmed their commitment to working together, with the medical outreach set to be a key highlight of the NUJ FCT Council’s Press Week.

    This collaboration represents a significant step forward in bridging media and medical advocacy in Nigeria.

  • Governor Yusuf condoles NUJ, correspondents’ over Ted Odogwu’s death

    Governor Yusuf condoles NUJ, correspondents’ over Ted Odogwu’s death

    Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has expressed deepest condolences to the State Chapters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Correspodemts’Chape over the death of Mr Ted Odogwu, Correspondent of Punch Newspapers in Kano.

    The governor’s condolence message was contained in a Statement made available to newsmen by his Spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa in Kano on Monday

    The governor described late Ted Odogwu as a throughbred journalist whose wealth of experience contributed to the development and practice of journalism not only in Kano but in the entire nation.

    Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf also aknowledged the contributions of the late journalist in mentoring and moulding younger generation of the Pen Profession who are now prominent Journalists.

    He encouraged his families and Colleagues to take solace in his loss and have faith in God as He is the giver and taker of life.

    The governor, on behalf of the government and good people of the state extend heartfelt condolences to the families and professional colleagues of the deceased.

  • NUJ FCT thrash Abuja Charity Marathon Ambassadors in thrilling 7-aside match

    NUJ FCT thrash Abuja Charity Marathon Ambassadors in thrilling 7-aside match

    The FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) emerged victorious in a mixed gender novelty 7-aside football match against Abuja Charity Marathon Ambassadors on Sunday.

    The Abuja Charity Marathon is an annual event that promotes charity, unity, and health.

    The 2025 edition of the marathon is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 19th, starting from City Gate and finishing at the Arts and Culture Pavilion, opposite Radio House in Garki.

    The match, organised by promoters of the Abuja Charity Marathon and sponsored by the Tonto Dikeh Foundation, saw the NUJ team win 2-0 against their opponents.

    Despite receiving two questionable red cards and four yellow cards, which left them with just five players against seven, the NUJ team showed remarkable determination and unity to secure the win.

    Captain Odion Musa Fernando scored both goals, with both shots coming from the right flank to give NUJ victory.

    Reacting, founder of the Tonto Dikeh Foundation and popular Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh praised the NUJ team’s skills on the field.

    “NUJ FCT Council victory has proven that journalists are not just great with the pen but also good in the field of play,” Dikeh said, jokingly adding that her team’s loss was due to her own absence from the match.

    Meanwhile, NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike attributed the team’s success to determination, unity, and sportsmanship.

    “This is the beginning of better things to come for the side,” Ike said, expressing gratitude to the organisers of the novelty match.

    The match drew a crowd of executives from the NUJ FCT Council, chapel leaders, senior journalists, and celebrities from the movie and music industry.

  • NUJ restates commitment to safety of journalists

    NUJ restates commitment to safety of journalists

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has restated its commitment to the safety of journalists and promotion of highest standards of professionalism in the county.

    The NUJ President, Alhassan Yahaya, who said this at a media conference on Wednesday in Abuja, also called for nominations for the Good Governance Awards.

    Yahaya said that safety  of journalists amd press freedom were indispensable pillars in the architecture of democracy anywhere in the world.

    “A free and independent press plays a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in any society.

    “No democracy can thrive without citizen’s adequate access to transparent and reliable information. Press freedom is the cornerstone for building fair and impartial institutions.

    “It is a catalyst that mobilises the citizenry to hold their leaders accountable as well as promotes speaking truth to power,” he said.

    He expressed concern that in spite of the good roles journalists have been playing in promoting and sustaining democracy in Nigeria, they still different untold hardships.

    ”Many of them still face harassment, threat, physical injury, imprisonment, and even death in the course of discharging their legitimate duties.

    “In spite of these challenges faced by journalists in Nigeria, the NUJ remains committed to upholding the principles of ethical journalism and promoting the highest standards of professionalism in Nigeria.

    “We also reiterate our commitment to the safety and well-being of journalists. We call on governments, institutions, and individuals to respect the rights of journalists,” Yahaya said.

    On the Good Governance Awards, the NUJ President called for nominations for the various awards to honour journalists and good leaders.

    He said the categories include, Press Freedom Awards, Good Governance Awards and others.

    “Nomination of individuals and corporate bodies for the different categories of awards opens today Feb. 5 and ends on March 28.

    “We call on members of the NUJ and the general public to send their nomination of individuals and corporate bodies for the different categories of the awards by e-mail with supporting documents to: pressfreedomandgoodgovernanceawards@nuj.ng

    “The Awards Night and Dinner will hold on May 5 at the Africa Hall, Barcelona Hotel, Abuja as part of NUJ’s celebration of 2025 World Press Freedom Day.

    “A distinguished guest speaker will deliver a keynote address on The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom,” Yahaya said.

    Under the Press Freedom Awards, we have Touch Bearer of Press Freedom, Life Time Achievement Awards, Anyim Ude Prize for the Best Investigative Reporter and Defender of Press Freedom Awards.

    Under the Good Governance, it includes, Transformative Leadership, Innovative Leadership, Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Rural Transformation, Education and Health Care Delivery.

    Others are, Good Governance Awards Infrastructure, Agriculture, Transparency, Economic Development, ICT Revolution, Defender of Democracy, Corporate Social Responsibility, Constituency Development.

    Also the awards incude Advocate of the Masses and Human Rights, Media and Stakeholder Relations, Motions on Bills and Effective Legislative Performance.

  • NUJ appoints Kebbi Governor as Grand Patron

    NUJ appoints Kebbi Governor as Grand Patron

    The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has appointed Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi, as its Grand Patron for the state council.

    A statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday by Malam Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Publicity, said the NUJ National President, Alhaji Alhassan Yahaya-Abdullahi, presented the certificate to Gov. Idris in Abuja, formalising the appointment.

    Conveying the message, the president said the honour was conferred in recognition of the governor’s outstanding contributions to unionism and the general wellbeing of the people.

    “This investiture is a resolution of the NUJ National Executive Council (NEC), honouring someone who has paid his dues in unionism and struggles.

    “We believe Gov. Idris will continue to achieve more, especially now as the governor of Kebbi,” he said.

    Yahaya-Abdullahi commended the governor’s policies and projects, particularly in infrastructure and traditional institution development.

    “As journalists, we monitor leaders, and I must commend you for your wonderful achievements.

    “Your efforts in integrating and empowering traditional institutions by providing funds for renovating Emirates are commendable.

    “We acknowledged your inclusive approach to governance that even opposition parties in the state aligned with your developmental policies,” the president noted.

    In his response, Gov. Idris expressed gratitude to the NUJ leadership for the honour, assuring his administration’s collaborative relationship with the union.

    “This is historic as it is the first award I have received in 2025.

    “Kebbi is a labour-friendly state led by a comrade governor, and I assure you of our continued partnership,” the governor said.

    Gov. Idris, a seasoned labour leader, traced his journey from serving as State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to becoming the Deputy National President of the NLC and President of the NUT.

  • Abuja NUJ elects first female Chairman after 40 years

    Abuja NUJ elects first female Chairman after 40 years

    Ms. Grace Ike of Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN) has emerged as the first female Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council forty three years after its establishment.

    Grace was elected and sworn in on Wednesday alongside four other executive members: Mr. Yahaya Ndambabo of Voice of Nigeria (VON), as Vice Chairman, Comrade Jide Oyekunle of Independent Newspaper as Secretary of the Council and Sandra Udeike of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) as Treasurer.

    The election, which was unopposed, was conducted by the officials from the National Secretariat of the NUJ under tight security with a massive turn out of journalists from various media organizations and Chapels operating in the Federal Capital Territory  (FCT).

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

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

    In her inauguration speech, Grace said her election marks a ‘new dawn’ for the journalists in the nation’s capital.

    She said her aim is to reposition NUJ FCT Council through innovative projects that would impact directly on the welfare of members.

    “With immense gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility, I stand before you today as your elected Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council.

    “This moment is both humbling and inspiring, and I thank you sincerely for the trust and confidence you have placed in me.

    “As we begin this journey together, let me start by congratulating the newly elected NUJ National President, Alhaji Yahya Alhassan, his Deputy, and other members of the National Executive Council on their well-deserved victory.

    “Your emergence symbolizes a new chapter and I pledge the unwavering support of the FCT Council as we work collaboratively to strengthen the ideals of our profession.

    “To the women of this council—those who stood by me with unwavering determination and strength throughout this journey—I offer my heartfelt appreciation.

    “Your courage, resilience, and support were pivotal to this victory, and I am forever grateful. Together, we will continue to inspire and empower one another.

    “As I assume this noble office, I am reminded of the words of John C. Maxwell: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

    “With these words as our guide, we shall chart a course toward unity, progress, and excellence for our union,” Ike said.

    Adeiza Momohjimoh, Vice President Zone D, who presented the certificates of return to the chairman, congratulated her for returning unopposed.

    Grace was the immediate past Chairperson of the House of Representatives Press Corps and Vice Chairman FCT Correspondents Chapel.

    She has worked in various capacities and at various times at the Independent Television ( ITV ) and  Silverbird Television.

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    Patrick Osadebamwen -led Exco Boycott avoid NUJ election in FCT as journalists usher in new leaders

    The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, said the Patrick Osadebamwen-led Executive boycotted election seeking to usher in new executives.

    The chapter’s election was scheduled for Wednesday 4th December, 2024, with Mrs Grace Ike being the only candidate vying for the championship position.

    In a twist of events, the outgoing executives led by Patrick Osadebamwen were absent during the business session where the executive ought to have been dissolved.

    Against this backdrop, the former secretary of the Correspondent Chapel, Mr Ubong Ukpong moved a motion that the Credentials Committee be stopped from conducting the elections until the Patrick-led executive is dissolved.

    Ukpong argued that conducting an election that will usher in new executives while the old executives had not been dissolved would be an arbitration to the Union’s constitution.

    The motion which was seconded by Mr Osisam Edeh received popular support from the journalists, as they were heard shouting “yes yes yes”.

    In the absence of a counter motion, the National Union represented by its Vice President, Zone D, Adeiza Momojimo, called for a motion for the formal dissolution of the Patrick-led executive.

    Prior to that, Adeiza Momojimo disclosed that Patrick had earlier sent a message bidding farewell and acknowledging today’s election.

    The motion was ably moved by Haruna Salami and seconded by Mrs Uzor Amaka. Thereafter, Mr Momojimo pronounced, “In the absence of counter motion, “The executives led by Patrick stand formally dissolved”.

    Spark News Daily reports that voting is ongoing with NTA, VON and Ministry of Information Chapels having voted.

    Meanwhile, in a telephone chat, Patrick Osadebamwen said the Credentials Committee was not constituted in accordance with the constitutions.

    “I do not believe the Credentials Committee was constituted in line with the constitution of the Union”.

    According to him, the National secretariat ignored series of calls that some members of the Henry Umoru-led Credentials Committee were not qualified.

    However, Henry Umoru, while speaking during the Manifesto held yesterday, said, “In 2012 I conducted the NUJ FCT election, they said I was a journalist, in 2018, I did the same, and they said I was a journalist, but in 2024, they are saying I’m not a journalist.’

    Giving clarification on Umoru’s statement, Mr Patrick said, “Everyone can be a journalist, but not everyone is a member of the Union”.