Isiyaku Ahmed
The Kano Online Media Chapel (KOMC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has urged online journalists to uphold professionalism, accuracy, fairness and accountability in reporting political activities and elections.
The call was contained in a communiqué jointly signed on Saturday by the Chairman of the Kano Online Media Chapel, Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, and its Assistant Secretary, Comrade Sunusi Kofar Na’isa, at the end of the Chapel’s congress held at the NUJ Press Centre in Kano.
The congress, chaired by the Chapel Chairman, Comrade Dangambo, deliberated on professional ethics, members’ welfare, financial sustainability, administration and the development of online journalism in the state.
The Chapel emphasised the need for journalists to strictly adhere to the NUJ Code of Ethics, particularly during election coverage, stressing that reports published through online platforms should promote peace, accuracy, balance, fairness, accountability and the public interest.
The Congress also called on members to maintain unity, mutual respect and cooperation, warning against actions capable of creating division within the Chapel.
On institutional development, the Congress approved the celebration of the Chapel’s two-year anniversary, replacing an earlier proposal for a one-year anniversary.
It also approved the establishment of a seven-member Revenue Drive Committee to identify legitimate and sustainable sources of income for the Chapel.
The Congress further approved the introduction of regular monthly contributions by members to strengthen the organisation’s financial base and support its programmes and activities.
It resolved to engage the NUJ Kano State Council over the issuance of identification cards to members, with a view to pursuing the matter through the appropriate channels up to the National Secretariat.
The Congress also approved a “Red Card” system to identify and coordinate members involved in advertisement-related engagements on behalf of their respective online media platforms.
The Chapel recognised individuals and institutions that contribute to the development of journalism and journalists’ welfare, while recalling the award presented to Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, by the Union during a retreat in Jigawa State.
The Congress congratulated the governor and the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, on the recognition.
It also urged members to participate actively in Chapel meetings and programmes, while commending the current leadership for presenting standard Secretariat and financial reports.
The Congress reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening unity, promoting ethical journalism and improving the welfare, capacity and professional development of online journalists in Kano State.
