Seventy Years Of The Nigeria Union Of Journalists, NUJ

Seventy Years Of The Nigeria Union Of Journalists, NUJ

From time immemorial, Journalism has contributed significantly to the evolution of the society.

In Nigeria for instance, the Profession and its practitioners have been in the vanguard of championing reforms and development even before independence in 1960.

The establishment of the “lwé Ìròhìn,” meaning “The Newspaper of News,” was Nigeria’s first newspaper, founded in Abeokuta in 1859 by Rev.
Henry Townsend, an Anglican missionary and The West African Pilot, a newspaper launched in Nigeria by Nnamdi Azikiwe in 1937, are few examples of journalistic efforts dedicated towards promoting literacy and fighting for independence from British colonial rule.

As the pen profession began to spread its tentacles, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ was established on March 15, 1955, in Lagos, during Nigeria’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule, to address better pay and working conditions for journalists and promote professional standards in the industry.

Indeed, since its establishment, the NUJ has gone through phases to its present state.

Thefore, the critical role of journalists in nation-building cannot be overemphasised.

This is why the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, saddled the media with the responsibility of holding the government accountable to the people as well as informing, educating, and entertaining the citizenry.

It must be noted, that countries and leaders all over the world have accorded this prime position to the media.

For instance, a former President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, once said he would not hesitate to choose the media over the government.

In Nigeria, Journalists have equally held exalted positions such as the first Lagos State Governor, Chief Lateef Jakande of blessed memory, a former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, former Nigerian President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and many more.

At every point in time, journalists have risen to the occasion to muster patriotism for the betterment of the fatherland.

However, the plight of journalists and the media has not received the desired attention despite the sacrifices made and continues to make for nation-building.

On the occasion of the NUJ at 70, many leaders issued press statements identifying with the union and amplifying the roles of journalists to nation building.

They indeed, brought to the fore the plight of journalists which has been neglected over the years and the need to address it.

One of such leaders is the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr.
Tajudeen Abass who advocated better welfare for journalists.

In this regard, the House of Representatives can take the campaign further through a bill for an Act to enhance the welfare of journalists.

A situation where journalists do much for national development without better pay or no pay in some cases,must be stopped.

Press Freedom is another area that needs to be looked into as many journalists and media organizations have come under threats and attacks in the course of duty.

Journalism is a double edged sword and must be seen as such.

The leadership of the NUJ too has great roles to play. It must sanitize the system of quacks, giving bad name to the noble profession, hence the NUJ leadership must not make the profession an all comer’s affairs.

In this wise, the standard practice of qualification to practice must be adhered to.

The leadership of the NUJ also has to reinvent and recalibrate the union to perform its constitutionally recognized role.

Practitioners too must assess their conduct and reposition themselves to attract respect from the public.

From their dressing to comportment, journalists must rise to the occasion to rebrand themselves from the negative perception to noble professionals with integrity.

The world is evolving; and as other professional bodies and practitioners are also improving, NUJ and Journalists must reflect 70 years of existence in the country.

By Mr Tersoo Zamber, Edited By Grace Namiji

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