NUJ NEW YEAR MESSAGE: Chris Isiguzo Felicitates Journalists for Year 2022, calls on Governments for Security and Safety of Journalists

By Lola Adeyinka

The National body of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) under the able and dynamic leadership of Comrade Chris Isiguzo has wished Journalists in Nigeria a happy new year 2022 and hoped that the year will bring forth good tidings for Media Professionals and the Media Industry.

While reiterating the  commitment of the National body  towards improving the fortunes of the Media Industry and Media Professionals in the new year, the National President, Chris Isiguzo stated that “we renewed our appeal to the States and Federal Governments to work closely with the Union in ensuring the safety and security of Journalists especially now that we are getting set for the 2023 national elections”

Further in a Press release signed by the National President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, the National body of the Union noted the difficult times the Media went through in the previous year with very unpalatable consequences, some of which include the COVID 19 Pandemic that ravaged the global economy and put so much pressure on the Media Industry.

“Related to this was the rise in fake news and hate speeches that had so much negative effect on the industry” he said.

Chris Isiguzo said, “We have witnessed copious volumes of falsehood and distortions about COVID 19 Vaccines which have costs so much lives all over the World, and unfortunately these have found their way into Traditional Media outlets that should ideally be sources of credible news

As we look ahead to 2022 with renewed hope and expectations, it is germane to urge the media to assist in addressing these shortcomings through media literacy interventions to help the less exposed citizens in various aspects of human endeavours”

He noted especially that, it is desirous that Journalists work more towards educating people and explaining the status of fake news and hate speech to discourage citizens from growing more politically cynical by addressing such cynicism ahead of the 2023 national elections in the Country which will definitely improve democratic participation of the citizenry.

He  equally hoped that, there would be a better understanding by the various Governments at the State and Federal levels towards the media, specifically as it relates to providing the necessary assistance to ameliorate the difficulties that the media industry had gone through in the past couple of years.

“It is instructive therefore, to note that the survival of Nigeria as a political entity will depend to a large extent on getting it right in 2023 national elections. Certainly, it will be foolhardy to ignore the precarious situation of the media industry presently.

Another area of concern is the issue of welfare of media professionals. We believe and insist that enhancing the emoluments and other entitlements of persons who work in the media will have positive impact on our democracy. It will be reckless to assume that not doing so is not important and can be wished away in the usual clumsy manner” the National President stressed.

He concluded by wishing all Journalists:

“Happy New Year to us all as we look forward to a rewarding 2022”.