Alhassan Yahaya, president of NUJ, has called for better welfare and working conditions for Nigerian journalists, highlighting issues such as low pay, long hours, and stress-related health problems. He also stressed the importance of addressing misinformation in journalism and adapting to technological changes. Yahaya promotes a stronger, more accountable form of journalism focused on critical reporting and media literacy.
Alhassan Yahaya, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has advocated for improved welfare and enhanced working conditions for journalists in Nigeria. During a press briefing to celebrate the Union’s 70th anniversary in Abuja, he criticized the treatment of media professionals, stating that the glamour of the media has diminished due to inadequate compensation and poor working environments.
Yahaya noted the worrying trend of professionals exiting the media sector due to insufficient pay and lack of welfare support. He mentioned that long hours, tight deadlines, and unfavorable conditions lead to stress-related health problems and put journalists at significant risk during assignments.
Recognizing the contributions of journalists nationwide, Yahaya also expressed concern regarding the escalating circulation of misinformation and disinformation. He highlighted that these issues threaten public discourse and urged journalists to embrace technology to effectively counter fake news and hate speech.
As NUJ marks 70 years, Yahaya urged for a renewed commitment to accountable journalism that prioritizes investigative and critical reporting. He also emphasized the importance of promoting media literacy as a means to combat the spread of false information and uphold national interests in journalism.
The call from NUJ’s president underscores the pressing need for improved welfare and working conditions for journalists in Nigeria. The organization advocates for a resurgence of accountable journalism that can tackle misinformation effectively while ensuring the well-being of media practitioners. As the industry evolves, adapting to technological advancements is crucial for confronting the challenges posed by misinformation.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
