Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has urged Union leaders and Civil Society Organisations across the country to desist from seeing the media as their opponents, but as a sister organization with the sole commitment to championing the common good of man and the society at large.
The call was made recently during a one-day Summit organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, themed, “Progressive Trade Unionism/Civil Society Actions In Nigeria.” It held at Chief Godwin Ezeemo International Press Center NUJ Secretariat, Awka, the state capital.
Speaking at the occasion, NUJ Anambra State Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, called on the Labour Unions and CSO’s in the country to desist from the wrong perception of the Nigerian media, but leverage on it in making their voices heard in the society especially on the matters that affect them. He also stated that the partnership of the groups would be the best option for the good of the country.
Comrade Odogwu wondered why other trade unions in the country should be ignorant of the media in pursuance of their common goods, reminding that unions do not have any cause to fear journalists, but should work in tandem with them to promote equity and justice in the society. He also urged them to see media professionals as their partners in progress and do grant them interviews where necessary for the betterment of the society.
The chairman reemphasized that partnership with the media in the contemporary Nigeria remained the key and advised the people to always have a way to partner the journalists with a view to building a prosperous Nigeria.
On his own, Political Adviser to Anambra State Governor, Dr Alex Obiogbolu, called on the leadership of the NUJ, Labour and CSOs in the country to imbibe the tenets of integrity and truthfulness in their dealings. He called on the unions, especially the Labour Leaders in the country to while engaging in positive things that would benefit their members, should also consider the progress of the larger society.
Delivering a keynote titled; “The Role of Social Media in Effective Communication to Achieve Collective Goals,” former Chairman Nigerian Labour Congress Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Charles Onyeagba, represented by the Secretary Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU), UNIZIK Chapter, Comrade Peter Okoye, advised Journalists to be careful of the information they dish out to the people, especially on the social media.
The State Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Anambra State Directorate, Awka, Barrister Charles Nwoji, represented by the Deputy Director of the agency in Awka in Charge of Department of Social Justice, Ifeoma Chijioke, described the event as apt and wonderful as it has afforded media stakeholders in the State an opportunity to tell themselves the truth, saying that the media has the power to make or mar the society.
