The House of Representatives has congratulated the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on its 70th anniversary, commending the union’s resilience and contributions to democracy, good governance, and national development.
Founded on March 15, 1955, the NUJ has played a vital role in promoting press freedom, ethical journalism, and media welfare. Over the decades, Nigerian journalists have shaped public discourse, held leaders accountable, and upheld the principles of truth, fairness, and accuracy in media reportage.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, praised the NUJ’s impact on national progress while emphasizing the need for continuous professional development and improved welfare for journalists.
“With new trends in information and communication technology (ICT), journalists must continue to learn, unlearn, and relearn to remain relevant and effective,” he stated.
Reaffirming the House’s commitment to press freedom, Speaker Abbas highlighted legislative efforts aimed at protecting journalists and strengthening media capacity. He noted that the House has set a new standard for openness in governance through its Legislative Agenda on Open Parliament, expanding public access to legislative activities and leveraging digital platforms for real-time engagement.
Recognizing journalists as society’s watchdogs, the House stressed the need for ethical standards and self-regulation to combat quackery, misinformation, and sensationalism. The rise of fake news, it warned, poses a serious threat to national stability, requiring stronger collaboration between the media and government to uphold truth, accountability, and public trust.
The House extended its best wishes to the NUJ leadership and members, expressing confidence in their continued commitment to journalistic excellence.
