The Katsina State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commenced plans to register and integrate genuine online media practitioners into the union as part of efforts to promote professionalism, ethical journalism and accountability in the digital media space.
Chairman of the council, Comrade Aminu Garba Dandagoro, disclosed this during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement organised by the council on Saturday with the theme, “Journalism, Democracy and Institutional Renewal: Charting a New Course for the Katsina State NUJ.”
Comrade Dandagoro urged online media practitioners to cooperate with the registration process, noting that their integration into the NUJ would help build a more organized, responsible and professionally driven media community in the state.
Speaking at the event, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, congratulated the newly elected NUJ executives and commended journalists for their contributions to public enlightenment and socio-economic development.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the media, saying Governor Radda remains dedicated to fostering a cordial and productive relationship with journalists in the state.
The commissioner revealed that the government had recently upgraded the state-owned radio and television stations with modern digital equipment and solar-powered systems to enhance operational efficiency and improve service delivery.
He also encouraged the NUJ to submit a proposal seeking government intervention on medical support for journalists, stressing that the welfare of citizens, including media professionals, remains a priority of the present administration.
In his remarks, NUJ Patron, Professor Sani Lugga, underscored the importance of unity, professionalism and responsible journalism, noting that a strong and vibrant professional body is vital to the effectiveness of the media in a democratic society.
Delivering a paper titled “Journalism, Democracy and Institutional Renewal,” Associate Professor Muktar Alkasim expressed concern over the numerous challenges confronting journalists and the declining influence of the media in shaping public discourse.
According to him, the media remains indispensable to the growth and stability of any society, urging journalists to critically assess the challenges facing the profession and work collectively to restore public trust and confidence in journalism.
Alkasim further advised media practitioners to continually update their knowledge and professional skills in order to remain relevant and competitive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
