The National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahaya, calls for enhanced welfare and improved working conditions for journalists, addressing the issues of low pay, misinformation, and the need for competitive journalism as the NUJ celebrates its 70th anniversary.
Alhassan Yahaya, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), advocates for enhanced welfare and improved working conditions for journalists in Nigeria. During a press briefing commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Union in Abuja, he criticized the current treatment of media practitioners, stating that the prestige associated with journalism is undermined by inadequate compensation and poor support for media personnel.
Yahaya expressed his concerns regarding the increasing number of professionals departing the media sector due to insufficient pay and welfare benefits. He pointed out that long working hours, stringent deadlines, and substandard working environments contribute to significant stress-related health issues and increase the risks faced by journalists while on assignments.
In addressing the challenges that journalists face today, Yahaya acknowledged the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation, which threatens public discourse. He urged media professionals to adapt to technological developments to effectively combat the proliferation of fake news, hate speech, and other misleading information prevalent in the digital era.
As the NUJ celebrates its seventh decade, Yahaya emphasized the need for journalism to become stronger and more accountable. He called for an emphasis on investigative and critical reporting that prioritizes national interest and promotes media literacy to effectively address the issues stemming from false information.
In summary, Alhassan Yahaya’s address at the NUJ’s 70th anniversary underscores the pressing need for better welfare and working conditions for journalists in Nigeria. The growing challenges of misinformation also highlight the importance of technological adaptability and critical journalism that serves the national interest. Enhancing media literacy is crucial in combating the spread of false information and ensuring a more informed public discourse.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
