By Our Reporter

Nigeria’s political heavyweights and labor leaders are set to gather in Abuja on Saturday, June 21, 2025, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The event, themed “Redefining Media Practice in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” will take place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.
Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde, Deputy National President of the NUJ and chairman of the organizing committee, emphasized the dual purpose of the celebration.

“This is a celebration of the NUJ’s 70 years of unwavering commitment to protecting media freedom, advancing professionalism and defending democracy,” Oyetunde said in a statement. “But it is also a time to reflect deeply on the disruptive changes in media practice, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence and digital manipulation.”


Prominent Figures Expected
The anniversary is expected to draw a high-profile list of attendees, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who will deliver the keynote address.


A number of state governors are also slated to attend: Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Muhammed Inuwa (Gombe), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Prof. Babagana Zulum (Borno). Former Kogi State Gov. Yahya Bello and Information Minister Mohammed Idris Malagi are also on the guest list.


Labor Leaders, Industry Captains to Join
Further highlighting the event’s significance, NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo are expected. The celebration will also include industry leaders, current and past NUJ national officers, members of the Central Working Committee and NEC, and leaders of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), who will be recognized for their contributions.


Commemorative Book to be Unveiled
A major highlight will be the unveiling of ‘70 Years of the NUJ: From Struggle to Strength,’ a commemorative book written by Shuabu Lehman, a former NUJ National Secretary with more than three decades of service to the union.