Malam Jibrin Ndace, the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), has urged the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council to uphold unity and professionalism among journalists.
Ndace gave the advice when a delegation from the Council led by its Chairman, Miss Grace Ike, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to him, the emergence of Ike as the Chairman of the Council is a lesson to the girl-child and women.
“Don’t be part of the lamentation group. Put your cap in the ring. You didn’t become chairman by chance. It is achieved through diligence, hard work, commitment and work with others, men and women.
“It is also an indication of what is possible when you remain committed, steadfast and work with others. Others will also work with you too. I know the story. I know the story of your emergence.”
The VON D-G, who said Ike had a responsibility to bring everybody back to the fold, said such act was part of leadership.
“When an election comes, you can all go back to the battle space.
“Just like what I tell people, elections were over for Nigeria in 2023. For President, we have President Bola Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of everybody, including those that are contesting against him.
“Therefotre, I call on you to continue to hold the unity and professionalism among journalists, the integrity of the profession and ensure that it is always in public interest and national interest.
“We all have a responsibility to build our own country. We are major stakeholders in the Nigerian project so we must all work together,” Ndace said.
He also called on the members of the NUJ to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President and take advantage of the opportunities that are there for all Nigerians.
“Also, let’s live by the five-point agenda of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, in restoring public trust to communication and ensuring positive narrative about our country”.
Earlier, Ike said the visit was to strengthen partnership with VON, celebrate shared values and reaffirm the union’s commitment to advancing journalism in Nigeria.
“So, we strive to create an environment where media professionals and practitioners can operate freely with dignity and responsibility.
“So, from pushing for better working condition to offering legal support and protection, our union has been a pillar for journalists in the FCT.
“We also work tirelessly to promote media ethics, which is the hallmark of journalism, ensuring that our members adhere to the highest standard of integrity in their reportage.
“For us, this visit underscores our resolve to collaborate with institutions like Voice of Nigeria, which has long been a pillar of factual reporting and national storytelling.
“The NUJ prioritises fostering unity and professionalism among journalists, and we seek to align with VON ‘s mission to uphold ethical journalism, counter misinformation, and amplify voices that shape our nation’s narrative.
“As we explore opportunities for collaboration, we envision a range of joint initiatives that we hope that as journalists per excellence and members of NUJ, we can work together to significantly impact the media landscape in the FCT and beyond,” Ike said.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA