Niger NUJ Resolves to Partner Gov’t, Ensure Professionalism, State Growth

By YM Bina

The Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has held its Congress that focused on ethical conducts, professionalism, institutional reform, and ensure stronger collaboration with government for the total development of the state.

The Congress provided a forum for deliberations on issues affecting journalism practice, media institutions, and governance in Niger State where resolutions aimed at strengthening both the profession and public service delivery were reached at the IBB Pen House in Minna.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Obed Nuhu Nana attended the congress where he engaged journalists on the state government’s media relations strategy.

Obed Nana reaffirmed the present administration’s commitment to openness and transparency, while unveiling plans for a Media Summit and a statewide media tour designed to give journalists firsthand access to ongoing government projects.

In his remarks, the State Chairman of NUJ, Dr Comrade Abu Nmodu assured the Commissioner of sustainable collaboration in promoting development-oriented journalism. He emphasized the importance of professionalism, objectivity, and press freedom, while also congratulating the Commissioner on his recent traditional title.

Consequently, the Congress approved the creation of new chapels, including Nester FM Chapel, a Federated Radio Chapel comprising Badeggi FM, Ultimate FM, and Maw Trade FM, as well as a Federated Online Chapel to accommodate digital media practitioners across the state. The Congress also ratified the inauguration of a new executive council for the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) through a consensus process.

The Congress further acknowledged notable developments within its ranks, including the elevation of Ismaila Saba Favu to Chief of Staff to the NUJ National President, and extended goodwill to Maimuna Raji Egigogo as she steps into the political arena.

While strengthening the identity and professionalism, members had resolved to fast-track the issuance of NUJ identity cards, urging journalists to complete their online registration without delay.

The Congress also undertook a comprehensive review of the state of affairs in Niger State, raising concerns over strained interactions between journalists and security personnel. Members called for urgent intervention to guarantee the safety and protection of media practitioners in the line of duty.

The forum also stressed the need for politicians to embrace issue-based campaigns, leveraging the media as a platform for meaningful engagement with the electorate rather than relying on rhetoric.

The Congress however urged the Federal Government to strengthen collaboration with the state to tackle insecurity, particularly in Niger North Senatorial District. It also decried the persistent challenge of inadequate power supply in Minna and other parts of the state, calling for immediate remedial action.

Additionally, members expressed concern over the neglect of state-owned media outfits, including NSTV, Radio Niger, and Newsline Newspaper, advocating their revitalisation to enhance effective public communication. The shortage of primary school teachers across the 25 local government areas was also a source of concern deliberated upon, with a call for urgent recruitment of qualified teachers to fill in the vacuum.

The Congress in its resolutions emphasized the need to sustain government-media relations, ensure journalist safety, promote responsible political engagement, improve infrastructure and security, and strengthen public institutions.

The Congress resolved with a renewed commitment to ethical journalism and democratic values, reaffirming the union’s role as a critical partner in the socio-economic development of Niger State.

The communiqué drafting committee consisted of Priscilla Dennis as chairman, Ismaila Musa Rabba served as Secretary and Ahmed Musa as member respectively.