NUJ pledges commitment to safety of Journalists, calls for nominations for awards (Video)

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has restated its commitment to the safety of Journalist in the country and called for nominations for Good Governance Awards.

The NUJ President, Alhassan Yahaya made this known at a media conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to him, press freedom is an indispensable pillar in the architecture of democracy anywhere in the world.

“A free and independent press plays a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in any society.

“No democracy can thrive without citizen’s adequate access to transparent and reliable information. Press freedom is the cornerstone for building fair and impartial institutions.

“It is a catalyst that mobilises the citizenry to hold their leaders accountable as well as promotes speaking truth to power.

“In spite of the good roles journalists have been playing in promoting and sustaining democracy in Nigeria, many of them still face harassment, threat, physical injury, imprisonment, and even death in the course of discharging their legitimate duties.

“In spite of these challenges faced by journalists in Nigeria, the NUJ remains committed to upholding the principles of ethical journalism and promoting the highest standards of professionalism in Nigeria.

“We also reiterate our commitment to the safety and well-being of journalists. We call on governments, institutions, and individuals to respect the rights of journalists,” Yahaya said.

On the Good Governance Awards, the NUJ President called for nominations for the various awards to honour journalists and good leaders.

He said the categories include, Press Freedom Awards, Good Governance Awards and others.

“Nomination of individuals and corporate bodies for the different categories of awards opens today Feb. 5 and ends on March 28.

“We call on members of the NUJ and the general public to send their nomination of individuals and corporate bodies for the different categories of the awards by e-mail with supporting documents to: [email protected]

“The Awards Night and Dinner will hold on May 5 at the Africa Hall, Barcelona Hotel, Abuja as part of NUJ’s celebration of 2025 World Press Freedom Day.

“A distinguished guest speaker will deliver a keynote address on The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom,” Yahaya said.

News Agency of Nigeria reports that under the Press Freedom Awards, we have Touch Bearer of Press Freedom, Life Time Achievement Awards, Anyim Ude Prize for the Best Investigative Reporter and Defender of Press Freedom Awards.

Under the Good Governance, it include, Transformative Leadership, Innovative Leadership, Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Rural Transformation, Education and Health Care Delivery.

Others are Good Governance Awards Infrastructure, Agriculture,Transparency, Economic Development, ICT Revolution, Defender of Democracy, Corporate Social Responsibility, Constituency Development, Advocate of the Masses and Human Rights, Media and Stakeholder Relations, Motions on Bills and Effective Legislative Performance