Gov Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has called for a better welfare package for practicing journalists in the country to compensate for their incalculable contributions to the nation’s building, democracy and progress.
The governor made the call in a statement issued on Monday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon to felicitate the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) on its 70th anniversary.
He congratulated the President of the NUJ, Mr. Alhassan Yahaya and all members of the union for their contributions to ethical journalism and nation-building.
He said that given advancements in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), practicing journalists need to keep learning and relearning to become more ethical and development-focused.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya and all Nigerian journalists on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the union.
“I must thank Nigerian journalists, who hold the government and its officials accountable, and for their incalculable contributions to the nation’s democracy and progress.
“As the Fourth Estate of the Realm, media practitioners are critical stakeholders in the society, and have enormous power and influence on the people which they must continue to exercise for the growth and development of our great country,” Oborevwori said.
While noting the watchdog function of the media in the political system, Oborevwori acknowledged the NUJ’s crucial role in defining Nigeria’s narrative and furthering democratic ideals.
He said, “I must commend the union’s leadership for defending press freedom and fighting for the welfare of journalists.
“The NUJ’s 70th anniversary marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s media landscape, reflecting decades of commitment to journalistic excellence and the promotion of democratic principles.”
