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NUJ Akwa Ibom adopts sweeping reforms to strengthen professionalism and ethical journalism.
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Union to establish a Media Ombudsman, expand training and pursue housing schemes for journalists.
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Council says it spent over ₦8 million on members’ welfare in one year. Stakeholders call for protection of press freedom and improved journalists’ welfare.
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Summit reaffirms NUJ as the only legally recognised umbrella body for practising journalists.
July 31, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has adopted far-reaching reforms, including the establishment of a Media Ombudsman and regular capacity-building programmes, in a renewed push to strengthen ethical journalism, public accountability and journalists’ welfare.
The resolutions formed the high point of the NUJ Leadership Summit held in Uyo to mark the first anniversary of the Comrade Nsibiet John-led State Working Committee.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, participants also resolved to pursue sustainable housing initiatives for journalists, institutionalise leadership development and financial literacy programmes, and enforce strict compliance with the NUJ Constitution as part of efforts to reposition the union.
The summit reaffirmed that the NUJ remains the only legally recognised umbrella body for practising journalists in Nigeria and dissociated the union from any group claiming parallel authority.
Addressing participants, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, urged journalists to strengthen professionalism, defend press freedom and embrace innovation without compromising ethical standards.
He stressed the need to modernise the union, improve members’ welfare and prepare the next generation of media leaders for the rapidly changing media environment.
The Chairman of the occasion, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, charged union leaders to embrace integrity and self-discipline, insisting that effective leadership begins with personal accountability.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Umo Eno, Ekerete Udoh, also called for responsible journalism, warning against inaccurate and unsanitised reportage.
NUJ Chairman in the state, Comrade Nsibiet John, said the summit was organised to equip union leaders with the skills required for effective administration and informed decision-making.
He disclosed that the council had invested more than ₦8 million in members’ welfare within one year, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting journalists’ rights and promoting professional standards.
Participants also commended Governor Umo Eno for sustaining cordial relations with the media and supporting journalists in the state.
THEWIL recalls that the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, recently approved a weigh-in allowance for previously omitted government-employed journalists, further strengthening the administration’s relationship with the media community.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment to defending press freedom, promoting responsible journalism and contributing to democratic governance and sustainable development in Akwa Ibom State.
