The Enormous Task before NUJ President

It was the APC National Leader Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu during fund-raising ceremony organized by Nigerian Guild of Editor (NGE) that hit the nail on the head by telling Nigerian journalists a major home truth “The Newsrooms”
he said “have become shopping centres where interests shop for the most pliable editor or reporter to push their point of view or story… The fire of patriotism continues to be extinguished and that of professionalism is now only a flicker” 

He was not yet done “Journalism has become not just a danger to its practitioners but now inflicts harm to the public by knowingly feeding the people with half truths, innuendos and outright falsehood,” he added. 

Dropping a timely warning, Tinubu further added that “when reporting and reality are too far apart, journalism has ceased, and propaganda has begun, a nation awash in propaganda is a nation dry and devoid of democracy much like a desert devoid of water”

In recent press encounter, Chief Akinjide was asked how he unwinds after each day toil, His answer, in my view, amounted to a veiled but damning indictment of the Nigerian press.

So it is that with much goodwill that we welcomed the new dawn of leadership under comrade Waheed Odunsile the new President of Nigeria Union of Journalists coming at a time when the once vibrant and respected profession is now one of the most disrespected and disdained profession in Nigeria. 

Agreed, the immediate past President of NUJ Muhammed Garba tried his best to restructure the Nigeria forth estate of the realm by ensuring the abuse of journalist is reduced to the barest minimum, he also moved the National secretariat to the permanent site, he also tried to see the accreditation of International institute of Journalism (IIJ) a training arm of NUJ, although only OND was accredited by NBTE without the accreditation of HD which is big challenge to the destinies of young Nigerians who have spent their monies, times and energy to pursue this course, which at the end is not recognize or accepted by other institutions or organizations.

With all these challenges, what then should the new NUJ helmsman be concerned with?

We have no doubt that Waheed, is a well breed journalist who has paid his due in the art of writing and reporting, even when he was just a mere reporter, he knew the peculiar needs of the profession, so, there is no need beating round the bush on what is needful in the family of information management, what we plead for is for him to swing into action with all the key points in his campaign manifestoes one of which is restoring the lost glory of the profession, the full accreditation of IIJ amongst others, these noble promises should be backed with implementable actions.

Others germane aspects that will be calling the attention of the NUJ President are the urgent need for proper data taking of all journalists in Nigeria with the view to separating genuine ones from the fakes. Also set up an immediate body to oversee the registration of all online reporters and also ensure they are given recognition like the magazines and newspapers in all institutions and organizations including National Assembly.

Furthermore, facilitate the movement of IIJ to its permanent site without any further delay as this will facilitate the accreditation of the HND Certificate, in addition to these is the need to also fight for the inclusion of journalists in the government of the day and ensure media practitioners or organizations pay journalists salaries as at when due as this will go a long way in reducing the brown and white envelop syndrome.

We at national lifewatch magazine and online reporters believes that if the above points suggested are given adequate consideration and implemented, we shall all roll drums to celebrate you and ensure a smooth ride to your second tenure in office. You are welcome on board Mr. President.