Niger State Council of NUJ Inaugurates Online Chapel

By YM Bina

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Council, has inaugurated the interim executives of its Federated Online Chapel and launched a broadband internet facility at its secretariat in Minna to promote professionalism and enhance journalists’ access to digital resources.

The two initiatives were unveiled during the council’s congress held at the IBB Pen House, Minna, on Thursday, as part of efforts to strengthen the union’s inclusiveness, improve digital connectivity and address unprofessional practices in online journalism.

Speaking at the event, the state NUJ Chairman, Comrade Abu Nmodu, urged members of the newly inaugurated chapel to uphold the ethics of journalism, stressing that factual, objective and responsible reporting was essential to maintaining public confidence in the media.

Nmodu described the National Secretariat’s approval for the establishment of Federated Online Chapels across the states as a commendable initiative that would help distinguish recognised online journalists from quacks operating outside established professional standards.

He urged the interim executives and members to support the union’s leadership, promote unity and protect the integrity of the profession, noting that responsible journalism was vital to peace and national development.

The NUJ chairman also said the inauguration of the Online Federated Chapel and the integration of the newly inaugurated leadership of the Nexter FM Chapel into the State Executive Council (SEC) were aimed at ensuring adequate representation and a sense of belonging among journalists across different media platforms.

On the broadband facility, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Obed Nuhu Nana, said the initiative was part of the Niger State Government’s broader digital connectivity programme.

He disclosed that more than 150 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) had been connected to the state’s broadband network under the first phase of the pilot scheme.

Nana, who thanked the union for passing a vote of confidence in him, attributed his achievements to the support and enabling environment provided by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.

He urged journalists to maximise the facility to promote responsible reporting, public enlightenment and positive information dissemination in support of the New Niger Agenda.

Also speaking, a cybersecurity expert with the state Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Agency, Abubakar Daniya Muhammad, said the government planned to extend free internet connectivity across the state, describing the NUJ as a critical stakeholder in the initiative.

Muhammad also disclosed that the agency would collaborate with the union to organise cybersecurity training for journalists, urging media practitioners to protect sensitive information stored on their mobile phones, laptops and other digital devices against cyber threats.

In his remarks, the interim chairman of the Federated Online Chapel, Malam Muhammad Hadi Pandogari, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged that the new leadership would work to strengthen professionalism, promote unity and uphold the ethics of online journalism.

The chapel’s interim executives include Nuruddeen Isyaku Daza, Vice Chairman; Yahaya Zakka Muhammed, Secretary; Yakubu Isma’il, Assistant Secretary; and Anna Asibi Moses, Treasurer. The NUJ State Council Secretary, Comrade Usman Chiji, administered the oath of office in accordance with the union’s constitution.

The congress also featured the formal reception of the Nexter FM Chapel leadership into the State Executive Council.

Nmodu further announced that preparations were underway for the council’s Press Week, which would feature a media summit, medical outreach, a novelty football match and the launch of a book documenting 50 years of journalism in Niger State.

He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to supporting development initiatives while urging members to maintain high professional standards in the discharge of their duties.