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Allen and Baba Ibrahim prepare to face off in NUJ/Adato Inter-Chapel Table Tennis Tournament

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Jide Allen of Radio Kwara and Baba Ibrahim of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) have qualified for the final of the male event in the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)-organized and Hon. Ogbeni Seun Oguniyi-sponsored Inter-Chapel table tennis tournament.

It’s a dual triumph for Radio Kwara as Itunu Olaosebikan from the first Broadcasting House in the state also secured a spot in the final of the female category, gearing up to face Mrs. Yetunde Bamidele of the State Information Chapel for the gold.

The final is scheduled for tomorrow at the NUJ Press Centre, Offa Road, GRA, starting from 3.30 pm.

Jide Allen, arguably the champion of all NUJ-organized table tennis contests, defeated Kehinde Adeseko of the Federal Information Chapel in the quarter-final and Ibrahim Alege of the Correspondents’ Chapel in the semi-final, both in two straight sets, enhancing his prospects for yet another prestigious victory.

On the other hand, Baba Ibrahim secured his place in the final by defeating Sodiq Adebara in two straight sets in the quarter-final and Babatunde Jimba of Kwara State Television Service by two sets to one in the semi-final.

In the female category, Itunu Olaosebikan defeated Hajia Bimbo Sulaiman in two sets, while Yetunde Bamidele emerged victorious against Mrs. Jimoh Fatima, securing their spots in the final.

The tournament, which saw participation from 21 players across 11 Chapels, is graciously sponsored by Hon. Ogbeni Seun Oguniyi, representing Ojomu/Balogun Constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly. Hon. Ogbeni Oguniyi serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Human Capital Development.

The final tomorrow will be attended by the sponsor, Hon. Ogbeni Seun Oguniyi, and some legislators from the Kwara State House of Assembly. Special Guests expected to grace the event include the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Magaji, Olympian and Ambassador of Kwara SWAN, Mallam Hameed Adio, Chairman of Kwara United, Kumbi Titiloye, General Managers of Radio Kwara and Kwara State Television Service, Alhaji Kayode Aremu and Mallam Ayobami Akanbi respectively, alongside Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, the Nwachigoziri 1.

Chairman of the Kwara Council of NUJ, Mallam Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed, praised all the Chapels for their support, emphasizing that the tournament would further foster unity and friendship among working journalists in the state. He also commended Hon. Ogbeni Seun Oguniyi for sponsoring the tournament and urged other well-meaning Kwarans and philanthropists to support NUJ and journalists in the state in sports and other recreational activities.

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NUJ DEMANDS BETTER CONDITIONS FOR JOURNALISTS, CONDEMNS ATTACK ON NLC PRESIDENT

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As Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) joined the rest of the World in observing the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the Union regrets that threats and physical violence against Journalists still occur regularly and are often carried out with impunity.

This was stated by the NUJ National President, Dr Chris Isiguzo today in Abuja while observing the International Day at the National Secretariat of the Union.

The theme of this year’s event according to UNESCO, is centered around violence against journalists, the integrity of elections, and the role of public leadership. It said that the 2023 observance seeks to raise awareness of the main challenges faced by journalists and communicators in the exercise of their profession, and to warn of the escalation of violence and repression against them.

These include attacks and restrictions on the press in the context of coverage of social protests; the use of judicial mechanisms against journalists for reasons related to their journalistic work on matters of public interest; and the increase of forced exile of journalists in some countries.

While condemning acts of repression against journalists who are denied the right to freedom of expression through censorships that continue to manifest in various forms, Comrade Chris Isiguzo called for a halt to such acts of impunity and said that the Union will renew its efforts in the months ahead to tackle threats to journalists, campaign for improved working conditions and build a stronger voice for journalists in the Country.

“We note the difficult working environment in which journalists are currently operating, including poor wages and exploitative conditions. Nigerian journalists are yearning for better wages, more secure contracts and decent working conditions”, he explained.

Comrade Isiguzo who equally observed that election coverage is one of the most dangerous assignments for Journalists in the Country, urged the authorities to allow all journalists who wish to cover elections to do so without obstruction or censorship. “ Local and foreign journalists should be able to follow the events on the ground and keep the public informed about the democratic process, because Press freedom is central to any free and credible election”, he stressed.

The President re- echoed the appeal of the Union to the Federal Government and all States of the Federation, to take effective measures for better protection of journalists and to fully implement the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa, which clearly states that …. “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his or her freedom of expression…”, and to cooperate and support the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression in the Continent and to build synergy with the Union to foster safety of all media professionals.

“We urge all Media Organisations in the Country to evolve effective Insurance Schemes for Journalists in their employment. We also want an end to the harassment of journalists for exercising the right to free expression and demand respect for their human rights – including their right to access to information – they should be allowed to do their jobs without fear of intimidation or arrest”, Comrade Isiguzo emphasized.

Meanwhile, the Union appalled at the treatment meted out to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajero by sponsored thugs and the Nigeria Police.

According to a statement signed by the National Secretary of the Union, Shu’aib Usman Leman, “We are equally full of consternation by the Gestapo manner in which Comrade Ajero was battered and subsequently whisked away.

“Obviously the Nigeria Police and other State Actors have learned nothing out of our nascent democracy, which presupposes that conduct of such Agents of State should be civil and that Citizens have a right to peaceful assembly and protests.

“The Media have reported that as at the time Comrade Ajero was being brutalised on Wednesday, November 1,2023, one person was feared dead as miscreants descended on protesters, smashing vehicles, inflicting injuries and dispossessing handsets from labour members that had gathered at the NLC State secretariat. The NLC President alongside other members of the Central Working Committee, CWC, were at the State Secretariat in Owerri to begin the planned strike action against the State Government’s insensitivity to the plight of workers in the State.

“Over the years, ordinary Nigerians have always found succour in the struggles of the NLC for a better stake for workers and other poor citizens in the Nigerian State which is skewered in favour of the elite. It is in appreciation of this perseverance, strength of character and invaluable contributions to the development of the Nation and democracy in the country by Labour that we find the entire saga out of tune with reasonable conduct and in bad taste.

“The Imo State Government should be held responsible for any untoward thing that happened to Comrade Ajero or any official of the NLC as a result of this development.
We condemn this dangerous development in its entirety and call for proper investigation and punishment for the perpetrators”, the statement said.

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NUJ expresses concern over fuel price increase

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has raised alarm and expressed concern over the recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. 

The union, in a media release issued on Tuesday, highlighted the impact of this development on transportation costs and the soaring prices of food items, which have become increasingly unaffordable for many citizens. 

The pump price of PMS was announced to be N617 per litre in Abuja and N568 per litre in Lagos. 

According to the release signed by the National Secretary of the Union, Shuaibu Usman Leman, “the NUJ acknowledged the decision to remove costly fuel subsidies but cautioned against the hasty implementation of the policy without adequate measures in place to alleviate the effects on the general population. 

“The union noted that the sudden surge in petrol prices has led to significant difficulties in commuting to work or conducting other daily activities. 

“Many citizens are experiencing increased stress and financial strain due to the rapid escalation of transportation costs. Additionally, those reliant on generators for power in their homes are also facing considerable challenges.

The NUJ emphasized that the decision to increase fuel prices was seen as excessive and called for an immediate reversal of the decision. They urged authorities to consider and implement appropriate measures that would alleviate the burdens faced by ordinary Nigerians.

“We believe that this sudden decision is an overkill, and we urge that the situation should be reversed immediately while adequate measures are considered and put in place to lessen the effects on ordinary Nigerians.”

The NUJ’s media release highlights the concerns shared by journalists and underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to address the impact of the fuel price increase. 

The union, however, called for immediate action to alleviate the financial strain on citizens and ensure the well-being of the Nigerian population.

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2023 polls: NUJ worries over attacks on Journalists

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Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) leadership has expressed its concern that some Nigerian Security Personnel and Politicians have learned little about good conduct during elections, as attacks on voters and journalists during yesterday’s general election across the country still persist.

According to a media release signed up the National Secretary of the Union, Shuaibu Usman Leman, the Walin Shadalafiya, “specifically, the Union expresses serious concern by the conduct of Policemen in Port Harcourt who assaulted a journalist and political thugs in Ibadan, Oyo State who attacked voters, including Journalists”.

The union also noted that it was recorded by the NUJ Election Situation Room at the Union’s National Secretariat, Abuja that a reporter with The PUNCH, Gbenga Oloniniran, was on Saturday afternoon arrested by policemen near the residence of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State in Rumuiprikon, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.

“He was brutalised by the policemen for attempting to take their pictures when they were assaulting a male voter at a polling unit close to Governor Wike’s polling unit at Wimpey Junction, Rumuepirikom, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

“In another sad incident, a vehicle belonging to the News Agency of Nigeria crew members on election duty around the Liberty area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital was among vehicles attacked by youths who were allegedly protesting bad governance in the country”, the release added.

Reacting while considering the preliminary report from the NUJ Election Situation Room in Abuja today, the NUJ President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo expressed worry that at this crucial time of transition, Policemen still vent their anger on Journalists while some politicians continue to devise dubious ways and means of trying to disrupt the political process.

According to Comrade Isiguzo, journalists take great personal and professional risks to collect, process and disseminate news and information to millions of citizens, yet some security operatives and some unscrupulous political Actors continue to plot evil against media professionals and their equipment.

The Union, he said will not accept this ugly trend where the number of journalists that suffer various acts of impunity across the country and attacks on media equipment and facilities increases during elections.

Attacks like these, Comrade Isiguzo noted pose great danger to democracy.

He therefore called on the Inspector General of Police and other Security Chiefs to come out with a better and sustainable strategy in securing Journalists while on election duties.

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NUJ hails Buhari for honouring Union’s President, Journalists

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The National Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has expressed its gratitude to the President and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari for conferring on  the Union’s President, Christopher Ikechukwu Isiguzo the award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

The Union equally commended President Muhammadu Buhari for honouring Alhaji Yakubu Ibn Mohammed, immediate past DG of NTA and Mr Femi Adesina, Senior Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media who received the award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and Malam Halilu Ibrahim Dantiye, former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors-NGE who was conferred with Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).

According to a statement signed by the Union’s National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman, “we felicitate with these worthy Ambassadors of the Union.

“Chief Christopher Isiguzo, MFR, certainly has  the creativity and determination to do so many things in an extraordinary way. The Union’s NEC  joins him in feeling proud for his most recent  achievement. Warm congratulations to our dear leader”, the statement said.

The Union also commended the ability of the NUJ President to relentlessly search for solutions to problems and find innovative ways to improve the fortunes of the Union. These he said, “are the keys to this success and many more to come.

It should be also noted that the President’s perseverance is an inspiration to everyone in the National Executive Council of the Union and undoubtedly, he has earned all the accolades coming his way. 

While encouraging all the award recipients to continue to do more, the union extended to them, as always, its profound support.

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NUJ President, Isiguzo emerges CAJ President

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The National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Chris Isiguzo has emerged as the new President of Congress of African Journalists (CAJ).

He replaces Alexandre Niyungeko of Burundi who stepped down to pursue other commitments.

The Governing Council of the Congress in a meeting held online on Wednesday, 21st September, 2022 unanimously voted to elect the NUJ President as it next leader.

It would be recalled that the NUJ on the 23rd June, 2020 hosted a meeting online of some African countries where CAJ was launched to address the issues affecting journalists on the Continent, promote shared values and uphold the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa.

CAJ was formally registered in Kenya and the headquarters is located in Nairobi.

The new President expressed appreciation to his colleagues for the confidence and trust reposed in him and promised to work assiduously for the success of CAJ.

He also thanked the Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) for facilitating the registration of the continental body in Kenya and commended the enormous support of Gabriel Baglo and Shuaibu Usman Leman, the consultants to CAJ for their Technical Assistance and Support.

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Kwara NLC, NUJ mourn slain TUC Chairman

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The Kwara State Council of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed shock over the death of the Chairman, state chapter of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Akinwumi Akinsola.

Akinsola was among those that lost their lives when unidentified bandits struck and attacked a moving Abuja-Kaduna train on Monday.

The state NLC Chairman, Comrade Issa Aliyu Ore, led other top officials of the organized labour during a condolence visit to the family of the slain state TUC Chairman in Ilorin.Ore described the bandits’ attack that led to the demise of Comrade Akinsola as saddening and unfortunate, adding that it called for urgent review of the nation’s security architecture.

While urging government and security agencies, particularly the military to nip the frequent attacks in the bud, the NLC Chairman commiserated with the bereaved family of his TUC counterpart over the tragic loss.

Similarly, the state Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has said the attack from bandits that claimed the life of the state TUC Chairman, Akinwumi Akinsola, is a pointer to the fact that Nigerians are now living in trepidation.

In a statement issued in Ilorin, the state NUJ Chairman and Secretary, Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed and Omotayo Ayanda respectively said the incessant onslaughts of the hoodlums in parts of the country smacks of incompetence of our security infrastructure.

The statement added that the incident does not portray the country in good light before the international community.

The state NUJ also challenged the federal government to designate and gazette the bandits as terrorists in line with the recent order of the federal High Court so as to frontally tackle them.

It said the designation of the terror groups that take delight in spilling blood would embolden the government to match them with their sophisticated arms without any backlash of human rights violation as might be envisaged.

The state NUJ maintained that the government has a primary responsibility of securing the lives of the masses irrespective of social class and status against all forms of attack.The union, however, identified the slain TUC Chairman, Akinwumi Akinsola as a distinguished comrade, labour leader and model whose vacuum would be difficult to fill.

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NUJ commends KWSG for resuscitating Kwara TV

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The Kwara State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed its delight over the resuscitation of the Kwara State Television Authority, calling it a milestone.

The union also described as record breaking the unveiling of the 24hours transmission at the station and urged its management and staff to justify the huge investment of the state government.

This was contained in a statement issued in Ilorin by the state NUJ Chairman and Secretary, Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed and Omotayo Ayanda.

It specifically applauded the state government for the overhaul of the state-owned television station in its current quest to restore the past glory of the state media organizations.

The statement recalled that the state media houses were comatose until Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration intervened upon assumption of office.

The NUJ noted with satisfaction that the state owned media outfits including The Herald Newspapers, Radio Kwara and Kwara Television are currently working at desirable capacity and appealed to the state government to sustain the momentum.

It also pleaded with media workers in the state to renew their commitment and be steadfast in the discharge of their statutory responsibility of informing and educating the public about programmes and policies of the state government.

The NUJ also thanked the state government for the successful Implementation of the consequential adjustment’s component of the National minimum wage, which has reflected in the salary of month of January for workers in the state.

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NUJ APPLAUDS ADVANCED RENT REGULATION BILL 2022

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)has commended the Nigerian Senate for the successful first reading of a bill entitled “Advanced Rent (Residential Apartments, Office Spaces, etc) Regulation Bill 2022,” which seeks to regulate the payment of rent being imposed by landlords.

According to a press statement signed by the National President of the Union, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, the bill is timely and welcomed.

Isiguzo said that “This private member bill is sponsored by a former President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Senator Smart Adeyemi. The bill if passed into law, will be of immense help to poor workers who live at the mercy of exploitative landlords.

“We note the fact that rent in Abuja is very exploitative because landlords have no obligation to spend rents paid in making such rented homes decent. Payment of rent is a callous enterprise as landlords exploit the fact that workers don’t have enough to buy their own homes.

“It is in the light of above that we support totally, this initiative by our former President which will make rent payment less cumbersome and burdensome for workers.

“We believe the National Assembly should expedite action on this progressive bill in order to ameliorate the sufferings of workers who despite the fact that they are paid salaries monthly, greedy Landlords insist on annual payment of rent. Exploiting tenants by landlords who support their acts of victimization by arguing in terms of demand and supply basis is unhealthy, and this tendency must be confronted headlong to reduce the suffering of poor workers”, the statement said.

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NUJ President, Chris Isiguzo debunks report of 44 Nigerian Journalists killed in 2021

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The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Chris Isiguzo has debunked a trending media report alleging that 44 journalists in Nigeria were brutally killed in 2021 while scores were declared missing.

Reacting to the report credited to him, Isiguzo said that the reports were designed to discredit the leadership of the Union.

According to a statement personally signed by the Union’s President, the perpetrators, out of mischief, fabricated the report to distort the integrity of the leadership of the NUJ.

“The attention of the leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has been drawn to a sensational news item claiming that last year was a bad one for Nigerian journalists as 44 of them were brutally murdered.

“This report is completely misleading. There was no time I said that 44 Nigerian journalists were killed in 2021, rather the UN in their statement on the 2021 International Day to end Impunity for Crimes against Journalists said 44 journalists had so far been killed globally as at November 2021. That was global figure, certainly not Nigeria.

“I’ve read this story in some online portals as well as Leadership Newspaper today. It is not only misleading but mischievous.

“Otherwise, why would a speech allegedly made during the NEC/Security Summit of NAWOJ held in Lafia, Nasarawa State since last year suddenly enjoy media blitz in January.

“Again, this is the handiwork of those who have evil and devilish intentions.

“For the records, at no time did I or NUJ state that 44 Nigerian Journalists were killed in 2021”, the statement said.

The NUJ Boss, therefore, advised the public to ignore and disregard the fake news designed to confuse and put the name of NUJ in disrepute.

It will be recalled that Nigeria joins rest of the world to mark 2021 International Day to End the Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists on Tuesday 3 of November, 2021, where the European Union (EU) revealed that 44 journalists killed in 2021.

The EU Delegation Representative, Wynyfred Egbuson had said: “UNESCO has reported an increasing number of attacks and threats against journalists. 44 journalists have so far been killed in 2021, many more are attacked, unlawfully imprisoned, or missing leaving their families awaiting news of their faith, sometimes for years”.

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