Tinubu congratulates new NUJ leadership, urges focus on ethics

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Alhassan Yahaya on his election as the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists at the 8th Triennial National Delegates Conference held on November 27, 2024, in Owerri, Imo State.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Yahaya’s victory as a resounding endorsement of his leadership capabilities by NUJ members nationwide.

“President Tinubu says Yahaya’s overwhelming victory was a testament to the NUJ members’ confidence in his leadership qualities,” Onanuga stated.

The President expressed confidence in Yahaya’s ability to lead the Fourth Estate of the Realm, citing his prior experience as the Union’s Deputy President as a valuable asset.

“He expresses optimism that Yahaya’s experience, particularly as the former deputy president of the Union, will be instrumental as he leads the Fourth Estate of the Realm,” Onanuga added.

Tinubu urged the new NUJ leadership to prioritise the ethical standards of journalism while fostering a collaborative relationship with the government to promote justice and equity in society.

“President Tinubu expects Yahaya’s tenure to reflect a strengthened commitment towards upholding journalism ethics while fostering a collaborative relationship with the government to build a just and equitable society,” the statement read.

The President also extended his congratulations to other newly elected members of the NUJ executive and commended the Union for conducting a peaceful and orderly election.

Highlighting the vital role of the media in national development, Tinubu called on journalists to carry out their constitutional duties with renewed patriotism, in line with the vision of Nigeria’s founding media pioneers.

“The President emphasised the importance of the press taking on its constitutional roles with a renewed patriotic passion, aligned with the vision and efforts of the founding fathers of journalism in Nigeria,” the statement noted.

Meanwhile, Tinubu also urged the new leadership to confront unethical practices within the media industry, stressing that a free and independent press is essential to deepening democracy and fostering national development.

“The Nigerian leader reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring a free and independent media integral to deepening democracy and promoting national development,” the statement concluded.