Keep up with the latest news Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing; follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates. Click to Follow us

President Bola Tinubu has highlighted the significant contribution of journalism to the realization of the June 12 movement, which laid the foundation for Nigeria’s current democracy.

He noted that his enduring connection with the media stems from those shared struggles and remains as strong as ever.

Speaking through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Tinubu delivered his remarks during the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ (NUJ) 70th Anniversary celebration, which featured an award night and the launch of a commemorative book at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja over the weekend.

Minister Idris stated that President Tinubu is more than just a supporter of the press—his political journey was significantly shaped by alliances with some of the nation’s most fearless journalists.

“From the trenches of the June 12 struggle to the presidency, his affinity with the press remains unmatched.”

Tanni Grey-Thompson: A Trailblazer Who Transformed Wheelchair Racing and Beyond

The President also used the occasion to call on media professionals to spotlight the nation’s democratic milestones and success stories. He stressed that doing so would help solidify Nigeria’s 26-year democratic legacy and rebuild public trust in national institutions.

He urged media outlets to lead the way in highlighting Nigeria’s progress, citing advancements in governance, infrastructure, civic participation, and economic growth.

However, Idris expressed concern over the growing threat of misinformation, fake news, and the negative impact of artificial intelligence on the journalism profession.

He warned, “The rise of generative AI and deepfakes poses a direct challenge to credible journalism. In this era, ethical journalism is not just important, it is essential.”

The Minister also disclosed that the Federal Government, in collaboration with UNESCO, is setting up a first-of-its-kind Category-2 Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja. This initiative aims to enhance responsible journalism and digital literacy in the country.

For further information on sport secret and greatest sport icon click here

Once operational, Idris said the Institute would become a central hub for promoting ethical media practices and cultivating informed citizens.

He also assured journalists that the government is open to collaborating with the NUJ on various fronts, including journalist welfare, digital transformation, gender inclusion, and structural development.

Meanwhile, veteran journalist and statesman, Chief Olusegun Osoba, urged both the Federal Government and NUJ leadership to take decisive action against the rise of unprofessional and fake journalism.

He warned that the integrity and survival of the profession are under threat if non-professionals are allowed to undermine journalistic standards.

Describing the NUJ as the parent body of journalists in Nigeria, Osoba dismissed other breakaway associations as mere “club”.

Reflecting on his own career, Osoba highlighted the importance of evolving with technological changes. “I was once an analog journalist, but today I can proudly tell you that I am a digital reporter. Change is inevitable. Journalists must adapt to survive.”

He also emphasized the role of the media in fighting false narratives, promoting truth, and ensuring accountability, urging journalists to honor those who sacrificed their lives for press freedom. “Our profession is under siege from partisan interference and the erosion of ethical values. But we must continue to stand firm on the side of fairness and public interest.”

On his part, NUJ President Comrade Alhassan Yahaya described the organization’s seven-decade journey as a reflection of dedication, national pride, and journalism’s power to drive development.

“Our 70th anniversary is more than just a commemoration of our past,” he said. “It is a rallying cry for the future we envision—a future rooted in ethical journalism, responsible innovation, and unrelenting advocacy for press freedom.”

He recounted that the NUJ was established on March 15, 1955, originally to promote journalists’ rights and welfare, and has since grown into a major voice in national dialogue and democratic advancement.

Yahaya hailed the Union’s Platinum Jubilee as a moment for celebration, introspection, and recommitment to defending journalism’s place in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it. 
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.