As the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) turned 70 last Saturday, the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners (GIMP) has commended media professionals in the country for their resilience in the face of all odds, and dedication to the ethics of the profession.
Founded in Lagos on March 15, 1955, NUJ was in the forefront during Nigeria’s independence struggle. It became a platform for journalists to address issues of poor wages and working conditions, and eventually emerged as a trade union body registered under the labour laws. Over the years, NUJ expanded its reach across the country with the establishment of state councils, zones and chapels in media organisations.
In a statement on Monday, GIMP’s Editorial Board Chairman, Mr. Muyiwa Akintunde, said that Nigerian journalists should hold their heads high for their invaluable contributions to nation building, and holding operators in the public and private sectors accountable to the public they serve. The Guild, which set out to promote peace, tolerance, harmony and acceptance of religious plurality among the various peoples of the world, also acknowledged the sacrifices media professionals had made in nation building over the past 70 years and more.
It remembered several journalists who paid the supreme price in the course of discharging their professional responsibilities and urged well-meaning institutions and private individuals to support the dependents they left behind. GIMP said that bodies like the NUJ, the Nigerian Guild of Editors and related organisations should explore partnerships that will better the welfare of media professionals.
GIMP said that it is symbolic that the 70th anniversary of the NUJ coincides with the fasting periods of Muslims and Christians, which emphasises religious harmony.
The statement further read: “Our world deserves understanding among peoples of various faiths, cultures and traditions. As journalists, we should go beyond the symbolism of these moments, but to deepen our togetherness by promoting religious harmony”.
GIMP wishes the NUJ, its leadership and members a hearty celebration and many more years of relevance to the society.
