Alhassan Yahaya, President of NUJ, has called for improved welfare and better working conditions for journalists in Nigeria. During a press conference marking the Union’s 70th anniversary, he criticized poor remuneration and the increasing exodus of professionals from the industry. Yahaya emphasized the need for adaptive technologies to counter misinformation and advocated for accountability in journalism to protect public discourse.
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahaya, has advocated for enhanced welfare and improved working conditions for journalists in Nigeria. During a press briefing commemorating the Union’s 70th anniversary at its national headquarters in Abuja, he criticized the unfavorable treatment of media practitioners, noting that the glamour historically associated with journalism has been overshadowed by inadequate pay and neglect of media workers.
Yahaya raised concerns about a disturbing trend of professionals exiting the media sphere due to poor remuneration and insufficient welfare support. He emphasized that long working hours, stringent deadlines, and inadequate working environments lead to significant stress-related health issues, thereby increasing the risk exposure of journalists during their assignments.
While congratulating journalists nationwide, Yahaya also warned of the escalating problem of misinformation and disinformation that endangers public discourse. He urged media personnel to embrace technological advancements to effectively combat the spreading of fake news, hate speech, and other misinformation challenges prevalent in today’s digital environment.
As the NUJ marks seven decades since its inception, Yahaya called for the cultivation of a more robust and accountable journalistic practice, advocating for a focus on investigative and critical reporting. He underscored the importance of prioritizing national interests and enhancing media literacy to counteract the dissemination of false information effectively.
In summary, Alhassan Yahaya’s address underscores the pressing need for improved welfare and working conditions for journalists in Nigeria, while highlighting the detrimental impact of low pay and misinformation. The call to action emphasizes the necessity of adaptable, responsible journalism that prioritizes national interest and combats the spread of inaccuracies in the media.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
