The Katsina Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ has commenced moves to register and integrate genuine online media practitioners into the professional body.
The initiative was described as part of efforts to promote professionalism, ethical journalism and accountability in the digital space.
This was disclosed by the chairman of the council Comrade Aminu Garba Dandagoro, urging online media practitioners to cooperate with the registration process, saying their integration would create a more organised and professionally responsible media community in the state.
The move was announced at a one day stakeholders’ engagement organised by the council on Saturday with the theme “Journalism, Democracy and Institutional Renewal: Charting a New Course for the Katsina State NUJ.”
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Culture Dr Bala Salisu Zango congratulated the newly elected NUJ executive members and commended journalists in the state for their contributions to public enlightenment and development.
He assured the journalists of the state government’s continued support saying Governor Radda is willing and ready to strengthen the existing relationship between the government and the media.
He disclosed that the government had recently upgraded the state owned television and radio stations with modern digital equipment and a solar powered system to enhance their operations and improve service delivery.
The commissioner also urged the NUJ to submit a proposal seeking government intervention on medical assistance for journalists, stressing that the welfare of citizens remained a priority of the Radda administration.
The NUJ patron, Professor Sani Lugga in his remarks, emphasised the need for unity, professionalism and responsible journalism, stressing that a strong professional body is essential to the effectiveness of the media in a democratic society.
Presenting a paper titled “Journalism, Democracy and Institutional Renewal,” Associate Professor Muktar Alkasim expressed concern over the challenges confronting journalists and the declining influence of the media in society.
Alkasim said the media remains indispensable to any functioning society, urging journalists to critically examine the challenges facing the profession and work towards restoring public confidence in journalism.
He also called on media practitioners to continuously update their knowledge and professional skills to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving digital environment.
