The Governors of Kebbi and Delta States, Nasir Idris and Sheriff Oborevwori, have extended their congratulations to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) on their respective anniversaries.
While the NUJ marked its 70th anniversary on March 15, 2025, FRCN celebrated 63 years of broadcasting on March 17, 2025.
In separate goodwill messages, Governor Idris, through his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Zuru, praised both institutions for their unwavering contributions to democracy, press freedom, and national development.
He commended the NUJ for upholding journalistic ethics and fostering a free and responsible press, which is vital to a thriving democracy. He also acknowledged the union’s resilience in advocating for press freedom with support from key industry stakeholders, including the Guild of Editors and the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria.
“Despite numerous challenges over the past seven decades, the NUJ has remained unwavering in shaping the media landscape and advocating for journalists’ welfare and a conducive working environment,” Idris stated.
The Kebbi governor also recognized FRCN’s Kaduna station for its role in promoting democracy, social cohesion, and economic growth, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
Similarly, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State emphasized the need for better welfare packages for journalists. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, he congratulated the NUJ leadership and members for their dedication to ethical journalism and nation-building.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate the president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahaya, and all Nigerian journalists on the union’s 70th anniversary,” he stated.
L
“I deeply appreciate the efforts of Nigerian journalists in holding the government and its officials accountable while making invaluable contributions to democracy and national progress. As the Fourth Estate of the Realm, media practitioners wield significant influence, which they must continue to use responsibly for the growth and development of our great nation.”
Oborevwori also urged journalists to embrace continuous learning to keep up with rapid advancements in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). He commended the NUJ’s leadership for its commitment to press freedom and journalists’ welfare, describing the union’s 70th anniversary as a historic milestone in Nigeria’s media landscape.
Adding to the felicitations, the Publisher of Prime Time News, Ibrahim Shuaibu, also congratulated the NUJ on its anniversary, acknowledging its steadfast commitment to press freedom, professionalism, and journalists’ welfare.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Shuaibu, a former NUJ national officer, lauded the union’s role in upholding ethical journalism and advocating for improved working conditions for media professionals.
He further praised NUJ President Alhassan Yahaya for his dedication to elevating the union to international standards and urged him to sustain his commendable initiatives.
Shuaibu also recognized the contributions of past NUJ presidents, including Smart Adeyemi, Muhammad Garba, and Christopher Ikechukwu Isiguzo, in shaping the union into a respected institution within the global media community.
“As the NUJ marks this milestone, we acknowledge its invaluable contributions to democracy, accountability, and press freedom in Nigeria. The union has remained a pillar of support for journalists nationwide, ensuring the media continues to play its role as society’s watchdog,” Shuaibu stated.
He further called for stronger collaboration among journalists, media organizations, and stakeholders to uphold truth, fairness, and responsible journalism, especially in light of digital transformation and emerging challenges in the industry.