By George Ozalla
The President of Senate Godswill Akpabio has called on the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to embrace innovation and undertake the reorientation of its members to ensure that journalism promotes unity, ethical standards, and combats insecurity, especially in the era of social media.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the NUJ delegation led by its President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, Akpabio emphasized the importance of accurate, balanced, and fair reporting. He expressed concern over the rise of social media journalism, which often spreads misinformation.
“The media must conduct self-evaluation and reorientation,” Akpabio said, adding that the press should become partners in Nigeria’s development rather than fighting the government. He highlighted the need for the media to align with the positive initiatives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Akpabio noted that some journalists prioritize bad news over good news, which can threaten social cohesion. He urged the NUJ to work with the Senate to address these challenges and promote unity and development.
The Senate President also acknowledged the economic challenges posed by the global recession but urged support for the government’s initiatives. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Senate and NUJ in promoting good journalism and combating insecurity.
Comrade Yahaya, in his remarks, emphasized the need for collaboration with the National Assembly to introduce the Media Enhancement Bill, designed to advance journalism and support journalists nationwide. He extended an official invitation to Akpabio for the NUJ’s 70th anniversary celebration, scheduled for June 21, 2025.
Akpabio accepted the invitation and assured the union of his presence at the celebration. He commended the NUJ’s contributions to Nigeria’s media landscape and assured the union of the Senate’s full cooperation.
The meeting included National Executives of the NUJ, as well as state officials, including Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman of the NUJ FCT, and her executive members.
