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Tag: NUJ

  • NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel Holds 3-Day Football Tournament 

    NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel Holds 3-Day Football Tournament 

    The Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has concluded plans to hold a 3-day football tournament between media practitioners, government organizations and security agencies in the FCT.

    Comrade Jide Oyekunle, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel made the disclosure while addressing newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

    According to Comrade Oyekunle, the tournament is scheduled to hold from Thursday 3rd through Saturday 5th of August 2023 at 10:00 am each day at the Area 10 Football Pitch by Old Parade Ground Abuja.

    Comrade Oyekunle explained that the 3-day tournament is not tailored to make winning the overall aim but to boost and strengthen friendly relationships among the participating organizations in the interest of the country.

    The NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel Chairman disclosed the participating teams include the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigerian Police Force, Federal High Court, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC ).

    Others are the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Orientation Agency (NOA ), Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Correspondents Chapel.

    Oyekunle further disclosed that the climax of the tournament will witness the ceremonial presentation of the trophy and medals to the winning team on Saturday, August 5th by 10:00 am when the final match will be played.

    Speaking further, Oyekunle stated that the event will attract dignitaries, captains of industries, government officials and football lovers and enthusiasts from all walks of life including the representatives from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development.

    “Sport does not have a language. Sport is an integral activity that unites people and has the power to change the world, irrespective of religious, ethnic and political background.

    “In the course of carrying out our statutory responsibilities, we cross each other’s paths by commission or omission, which at times may have resulted in misunderstanding and bickering.

    “There is a need to bridge the gap and align our interests. irrespective of our profession for the purpose of making the country a place where love and peace reign supreme.

    “All the organizations taking part in this tournament should remember that we are all stakeholders in the Nigeria project and we are all working for the same purpose but in different ways. We should therefore relate to each other as partners in progress rather than as adversaries.

    “A Nigeria that works is in the interest of every Nigerian, irrespective of vocation or occupation. Let us, therefore, use this tournament to inspire, forge friendships and build respect among ourselves,” Oyekunle said.

    He urged governments at all levels to leverage sports, especially football to embark on a fence-mending mission across the country, with the view to heal the emotional and psychological wounds of Nigerians in the interest of peace, national unity and integration.

    “We consider football as a unifying factor that speaks the language of everybody that can provide much-needed reconciliation and peace, particularly at this critical time,” he said.

    Oyekunle encouraged participating organizations to exhibit true spirit of sportsmanship throughout the competition and ensure fair play and go for the ball but not the leg.

    “We urge you to reflect on the objectives of the competition and work hard to ensure that the aim is not defeated because the Olympic game is not to win but to participate.

    “For us at Nigeria Union of Journalists this tournament will also enhance our physical and mental alertness and wellbeing and we would play the tournament and win.

    “From this maiden edition, we hope to make this tournament an annual event and also increase the number of participating organizations and ensure that it grows bigger and better every year.

    “We appreciate all corporate organisations who have decided to sponsor and make the maiden edition of the tournament a huge success. We equally salute our colleagues for partnering with us to boost the publicity for the tournament,” he said.

    The tournament was supported by Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi , Managing Partner Law Corridor ,TI’ Bilon Construction,
    Julius Berger Nigeria, OrdersPaper, Red Cross, FCT FA, FCTA and Hypeplug.

    Others are; GMW Insurance Brokers Ltd., A New Thing International Foundation
    And Ti’ Bilon Healthcare Foundation.

  • FCT correspondents NUJ Abuja chapter to unveil football team in August

    FCT correspondents NUJ Abuja chapter to unveil football team in August

    The Federal Capital Territory, FCT Correspondents, NUJ Abuja Chapter will unveil its football team on August 3 with a mini football fiesta.

    This was contained in a release signed by its chairman, Jide Oyekunle on Friday.

    In the release the tournament will feature eight teams drawn from different sectors, the list include:

    1: Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
    2: Nigerian Police Force
    3 : Federal High Court
    4: Nigeria Medical Association (NMA)
    5: Federal Road Safety Commission  (FRSC )
    6: National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
    7: Sport Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN)
    8: NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel.

  • Give us a Commissioner that would not divide us – NUJ Delta to Oborevwori

    Give us a Commissioner that would not divide us – NUJ Delta to Oborevwori

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Chapter has urged Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to give a Commissioner for Information that would not divide its members for self and pecuniary gains.

    The demand was made by the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu while making his speech during a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Exco Chambers of Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday.

    Ikeogwu had congratulated the Governor for his victorious election, while commending him for appointing one of the sought-after members of the Union, Sir Festus Ahon as his Chief Press Secretary.

    While demanding for a number of things, including connecting the NUJ Press Centre to the Independent Power Plant, appointing more Journalists as media aides into his Government; Ikeogwu vehemently demanded that the Governor should also consider appointing a Commissioner for Information that is Journalists friendly and not divisive in nature.

    His words, “Your Excellency, you made us a promise that we would be a critical part of your administration, particularly as regards the choice of media aides. While we appeal for an opportunity to nominate some of your media aides, we pray you to give us a Commissioner for Information that will be people oriented, down to earth and a man that will have the interest of the union at heart. We don’t want a Commissioner for Information that will further divide the union.

    “We are not resting on our oars to ensure that the union has a clean record of its members in the State. This effort has led us to carry out a state wide membership screening and verification exercise. We have concluded that task and hoping that soonest, we shall make the compendium available to the public, as a way of giving them the opportunity to verify who engages them as a journalist in the State”, Ikeogwu said.

    In his response, the Governor equally demanded that the union should adequately appreciate him first, for consulting with the union before appointing a member as his Chief Press Secretary when he was Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly.

    Again, the Governor said he also consulted with the union before appointing another member as Chief Press Secretary now that he is Governor.

    According to him, “There is no way we can give the NUJ all the appointments meant for the media. We have done enough, and we need commendation for the much we have done.

    “However, I assure you that I will appoint a Commissioner for Information that has capacity; one who members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm know and will appreciate on the basis of cordial working relationship”, Oborevwori promised.

  • NUJ kicks against hike in fuel price

    NUJ kicks against hike in fuel price

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has described the sudden decision to increase the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol as an outright over kill.

    The NUJ equally said that it was alarmed at the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N539 to N617 and N568 per litre by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), in Abuja and Lagos respectively.

    The union called for reversal of the hike price immediately, adding that adequate measures be put in place to lessen the burden on ordinary Nigerians.

    In a statement by the National Secretary of the NUJ, in Abuja, Mallam Shuaibu Leman noted that the development has already triggered astronomical increases in transportation costs, with prices of food items soaring almost beyond the reach of many citizens.

    The NUJ said that it was worried that users of generators to power their homes are already groaning uncontrollably under the present situation.

    While it applauded the decision to remove the costly subsidies on fuel, it however cautioned against a hasty implementation of the policy without putting mitigating measures in place to cushion the excruciating effects.

    “We are saddened by the fact that today most people can hardly commute to work or other places of business without much stress because the embarrassing sudden surge in petrol prices has made it so.

    “We believe that this sudden decision is an over kill and we urge that the situation should be reversed immediately while adequate measures are considered and put in place to lessen the effects on ordinary Nigerians,” it said

  • Ignore unnecessary reports capable of over heating the system- NUJ Patron tells Cross River Journalists

    Ignore unnecessary reports capable of over heating the system- NUJ Patron tells Cross River Journalists

    Wevole Ezin, Calabar

    The Patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Cross River state, Bishop Emmah Isong has called on journalists in the state to avoid what he described as unnecessary reports that could cause division between the past administration of Senator Ben Ayade and the present administration of Governor Bassey Otu.

    He made the call on Wednesday while addressing some Newsmen in Calabar, following claims from some media reports credited to the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Emmanuel Ogbeche alleging that the previous government was giving approvals through WhatsApp.

    Bishop Isong who is also the National Publicity Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN). charged the people of the state to ignore such media reports.

    He said, “Cross Riverians should ignore who ever flashed that report and I am speaking as the Patron of NUJ that People should avoid media reports that will unnecessarily over heat the system and create imaginary issues.

    “The state governor Prince Bassey Otu is not here to witch hunt anybody but to lay a new foundation and like I prayed at the Solemn Assembly in Calabar recently, that God should heal our land. To me the new Chief Press Secretary just had a parley with his own constituency and I can vouch that he is competent to pilot the affairs of that office effectively and certainly journalists will enjoy his tenure”, he urged.

    “WhatsApp or no WhatsApp nobody has produced the WhatsApp approvals and there is no WhatsApp message that can tantamount to approvals. As far as I know there was a Bureau that approved Budgets and there was an Accountant General and due processes followed in financial transactions.

    Bishop Isong who is also the General Overseer of the Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI) further stated, “I was the Chairman of the State Anti Tax Agency and we handed reports to the transition committee and there was no such issue like approvals on WhatsApp. People are just struggling to create amenity between the former governor and the new governor. They want to create an imaginary conflict . The Vehicle is stuck in the mud and while we are trying to push it to jumpstart, nobody should take us backwards”.

    “The terrain of the last political dispensation was so complicated that even if you cough or sneeze people will misunderstand you. You know that in Cross River state we are lucky that the state produced an APC governor to succeed a sitting APC Governor which shows a seamless transition.

    “The new CPS means well for the state. Be that as it may it does not mean that there were no infractions on some past policies and as far as I know no person or government is perfect” .

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  • NUJ congratulates Ogbeche on appointment as CPS to C’River gov.

    NUJ congratulates Ogbeche on appointment as CPS to C’River gov.

    Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja Council, has congratulated its Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Ogbeche, on his appointment as Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River.

    This is contained in a statement jointly signed by Messrs Osaretin Osadebamwem and Ochiaka Ugwu, Vice-Chairman and Secretary of the union respectively, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    NUJ stated that both the executives and members were elated by the appointment which, it said, was well-deserved.

    ”We commend Gov. Otu for honouring the NUJ FCT family with this appointment.

    ”We thank the governor for finding our chairman, Comrade Ogbeche, worthy of the appointment,” the union said.

    It assured the new chief press secretary of members’ support in projecting, promoting and advancing the policies and programme s of the Out-led administration.

    “The executive and members of NUJ, Abuja council, congratulate you on your well-deserved appointment as the CPS to the Governor of Cross River.

    “There is no doubt that you will bring your wealth of experience and professionalism to bear on this very appropriate portfolio and ensure a seamless, respectful and mutually-beneficial co-existence amongst the different media platforms.

    “We also wish to express our sincere appreciation to Otu for deeming it fit and worthy to appoint a thorough-bred, tested and proven core journalist and image manager to the position of CPS,” the union said.

    According to NUJ, the appointment is an excellent sign of better days ahead for the media community in the state.

    “Accept our esteemed regards, even as we envisage a more cordial, mutually-rewarding working relationship with you and your principal,” it said.

  • NUJ reacts over ruling on NBC’s imposition of fines on broadcast stations

    NUJ reacts over ruling on NBC’s imposition of fines on broadcast stations

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has reacted after a Federal High Court in Abuja gave an order of perpetual injunction restraining the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from imposing fines on broadcast stations in the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the NUJ Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) described the order restraining NBC from imposing fines on broadcast stations in the country as a landmark ruling.

    In a statement by the Chairman of NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche, the Union stated that for long, the NBC, operating a controversial code, has continued to act as a hangman on freedom of expression and the media on flimsy excuses.

    Comrade Ogbeche stated that the expectation is that NBC will not appeal the ruling, which he said is well-considered, adding that the Commission should rather work towards purging itself of authoritarianism and high handedness.

    The statement reads: “The ruling, by the Federal High Court Abuja on Wednesday, restraining the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) perpetually, from imposing fines on broadcast stations in the country is a landmark judgment putting an end to impunity and abuse of power.

    “The ruling should be applauded by all well-meaning citizens and institutions who believe in the rule of law, democratic governance and human rights.

    “For long, the NBC, operating a controversial code, has continued to act as a hangman on freedom of expression and the media on flimsy excuses.

    “The expectation is that the NBC will not appeal this well-considered ruling and work towards purging itself of authoritarianism and high handedness.

    “The broadcast media should see this as an opportunity to demonstrate greater responsibility and work towards national cohesion and stability by shunning all acts capable of truncating the nation’s democracy by shutting out voices of division, hate and falsehoods”.

  • World Press Freedom Day: Democratic processes in Nigeria are in danger of being undermined-NUJ President

    World Press Freedom Day: Democratic processes in Nigeria are in danger of being undermined-NUJ President

    President of Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Chris Isiguzo has raised alarm that democratic processes in Nigeria, are in danger of being undermined by unscrupulous politicians and the prevalence of false, hateful and divisive information that create fear, ignorance and uncertainty within the public at large.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this was contained in a release signed by Shuaibu Usman Leman National Secretary of NUJ in commemoration of WPFD.

    Titled: ‘That Freedom Of Expression May Thrive’, the umbrella of Nigerian journalists stated that:

    “On the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day 2023 (WPFD) with the theme: “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights”, signifying the enabling element of freedom of expression to enjoy and protect all other human rights, the NUJ President, Chris Isiguzo, MFR has raised alarm that democratic processes in Nigeria, are in danger of being undermined by unscrupulous politicians and the prevalence of false, hateful and divisive information that create fear, ignorance and uncertainty within the public at large.

    “Comrade Chris Isiguzo who said this at the NUJ National Secretariat Abuja while observing the WPFD 2023 notes that while the Constitutional right of freedom of speech and association remains inviolable, political actors should tone down their utterances in whatever form , by making comments that are issues-based and within the limits of the rules of the game. Governance, he argues is about people and thus the guiding principle should be self- preservation as politics is for the living and not for the dead.

    “He charges Journalists as the watchdog of the society and the “fourth estate of the realm” to strive more to stem the trend, encourage freedom of speech as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and uphold the fundamental objectives contained in chapter II of the Constitution. They should always strive to uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people, he stresses.

    The NUJ President laments that the global information crisis in which journalism is being overwhelmed by the narrow self-interests of political and corporate centres of power is being felt strongly in Nigeria where hate-speech, fake news and abusive exploitation of information technology are endangering pluralism and democracy, and that this crisis of propaganda, requires a practical and comprehensive response which puts ethics, self-regulation and good governance at the heart of journalism in the Country.

    “The future of democratic pluralism and the defence of all human rights are dependent on the right of all citizens to receive reliable and useful information. We believe that ethical journalism is the key provider of the information democracy needs to survive”, Comrade Isiguzo contends while condemning all forms of violence against journalists in the Country and attempts to bribe and corrupt the process of journalism and to manipulate media for propaganda.

    “We once again call on all journalists, in spite of these threats, to redouble their efforts and live up to the values and standards of the profession. We also appeal to all journalists and media owners to build professional solidarity and to work together to promote ethics and good governance to confront the looming dangers”, he asserts.

    He reiterates the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution which emphasises that every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference, a provision which is also amplified by Amnesty International, that, “Your voice matters. You have the right to say what you think, share information and demand a better world. You also have the right to agree or disagree with those in power, and to express these opinions in peaceful protests.

    ” Exercising these rights – without fear or unlawful interference – is central to living in an open and fair society; one in which people can access justice and enjoy their human rights”. The Federal Government of Nigeria and all State Governments must be seen to be upholding and encouraging these, the President urges.

    The President who frowns at the continued threats to Journalists and the Journalism profession, says that such attacks, constitute a threat to Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Expression and are a constant reminder that new threats for the media continue to manifest in various forms and these feed into the sense of impunity and encourage further violence against the media.

    While regretting that such acts of impunity are being ignored by Government officials who do not want any criticism of the Government they serve under, Comrade Isiguzo states that the Freedom of Expression cannot be tempered with if Nigeria is to make any meaningful progress as a democratic nation.

  • NUJ National Secretariat urged to update compendium

    NUJ National Secretariat urged to update compendium

    The National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has been urged to update the compendium of member journalists across the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this was part of resolutions reached during a Congress of the NUJ FCT Council in reference to Article 3 of the Constitution of the Union.

    While Article 3 has to do with membership of the Union, Article 3(3J) states that “the National Secretariat shall certify all registered journalists” and Article 3(3L) adds that “the NUJ shall maintain a website containing all the names of qualified journalists who are registered with it regularly”.

    However, during the Congress of the NUJ FCT Council held in March, duly qualified and registered members of the Union complained of not having their names on the compendium of the NUJ, which is domiciled on the website of the Union.

    There were other several complaints that the names of member journalists do not tally with the numbers on the list on the website. According to the complaints raised, this has caused members embarrassment, and denied privileges and opportunities, especially at embassies.

    Following deliberations, the Congress reached the resolution to urge the NUJ National Secretariat to update the compendium to avoid the embarrassment of members as the media dubbed the fourth estate of the realm, cannot afford to be seen as a disorganised and dishevelled institution.

  • TheNewsGuru Editor, Oyibo elected Deputy Sec of FCT Correspondents Chapel

    TheNewsGuru Editor, Oyibo elected Deputy Sec of FCT Correspondents Chapel

    Editor of TheNewsGuru.com (TNG), Mr Ediri Oyibo has been elected as the Assistant Secretary of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council.

    Mr Oyibo was elected as the Assistant Secretary of the Correspondents Chapel of the NUJ, FCT Council in a by-election conducted on Saturday at the NUJ FCT secretariat, Abuja.

    The FCT Correspondents Chapel conducted the by-election for three vacant positions of Assistant Secretary, won by Oyibo; Financial Secretary, won by Mrs Henrietta Momodu and Auditor, won by Mr Caleb Onwe.

    The by-election is a sequel to the election that produced Mr Jide Oyekunle of Daily Independent as Chairman, Ms Grace Ike of Silverbird Group as Vice Chairman, Mr Raphael Oni of Diplomat Magazine as Secretary and Mr Emmanuel Ehijene of PlusTV as Treasurer.

    Chairman of NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche had charged the Chapel executive to conduct the by-election within 90 days after previous contestants for the vacant positions failed to scale through the screening exercise carried out in conformity with the NUJ constitution.

    Speaking after administering the oath of office to the newly elected executive members of the Chapel, Mr Oyekunle charged the new exco members to uphold the NUJ constitution and the ethics of the profession.