By Abdulkareem Haruna

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday urged Nigerian journalists to prioritize national unity and ethical journalism as the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) marked its 70th anniversary.

The President, represented by Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, delivered the charge at the NUJ’s 70th Anniversary Gala, Award Night, and Book Presentation held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.


Minister Idris stated that President Tinubu, described as a “staunch ally of press freedom,” stressed the media’s crucial role in strengthening democracy and shaping the country’s future. He called on journalists to highlight Nigeria’s democratic achievements and progress stories to consolidate the nation’s 26-year democratic journey.


Idris also acknowledged the increasing threats of fake news, disinformation, and the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on journalistic practice. He announced that the Federal Government, in partnership with UNESCO, is establishing a Category-2 Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja to promote media responsibility and literacy in the digital age.


Veteran journalist and elder statesman Chief Olusegun Osoba challenged the Federal Government and NUJ leadership to address “fake journalism” in Nigeria. Osoba urged for an updated and verifiable database of genuine NUJ members to “weed out those parading themselves falsely as journalists.”

He emphasized the need for professionalism and integrity amidst digital media challenges, urging journalists to adapt to innovation.
NUJ President Comrade Alhassan Yahaya reflected on the Union’s seven decades, founded on March 15, 1955. He described the NUJ as a powerful institution at the forefront of national discourse and democracy, with a presence across Nigeria’s 37 state councils.

Yahaya called on journalists to maintain ethical standards, particularly in conflict reporting, stating that “Our stories should aim to heal and unite, not divide.”


The event, themed “Celebrating Seven Decades of Journalistic Excellence,” brought together government officials, media executives, and veteran journalists. Awards were conferred on state governors for media-friendly policies and peace-building initiatives, and seasoned journalists received plaques for their contributions.