Alhassan Yahaya, the NUJ President, advocated for improved welfare and working conditions for journalists in Nigeria during a press briefing for the Union’s 70th anniversary. He highlighted issues such as low pay, long hours, and the need to counter misinformation in the media. Yahaya called for more accountable journalism practices focused on national interest and media literacy.
Alhassan Yahaya, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has made a compelling appeal for enhanced welfare and improved working conditions for journalists in Nigeria. During a press briefing held in Abuja to commemorate the Union’s 70th anniversary, Yahaya criticized the inadequate treatment of media practitioners, asserting that the allure of the profession has been undermined by low salaries and poor working conditions for journalists and media workers.
Yahaya expressed alarm at the trend of professionals departing from the media sector due to insufficient compensation and welfare. He underscored the impact of long hours, stringent deadlines, and inadequate working environments that lead to stress-related health issues and expose journalists to potential dangers while fulfilling their duties.
In his address, Yahaya congratulated Nigerian journalists but also raised significant concerns about the escalation of misinformation and disinformation, which threaten public discourse. He urged journalists to leverage technological advancements to effectively combat the challenges posed by fake news, hate speech, and misinformation in today’s digital landscape.
As the NUJ marks its seven-decade legacy, Yahaya advocated for a more robust and accountable journalism practice that prioritizes investigative and critical reporting, strengthens national interests, and fosters media literacy to tackle the proliferation of false information.
In conclusion, Alhassan Yahaya’s address signifies a critical moment for the journalism profession in Nigeria. His call for improved welfare, adaptation to technological advancements, and a commitment to accountability in journalism is essential for sustaining the integrity of the profession. The NUJ’s celebration of its 70th anniversary serves as a timely reminder for stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of journalists and uphold the truth in media reporting.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
