More than one thousand journalists have converged on Owerri, Imo State for the Eight Triennial National Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ.
Addressing Journalists at the opening ceremony, Governor Hope Uzodimma who is
the Special Guest of Honor at the event today ( Thursday 28th Nov.
2024), highlighted the duties of journalists in promoting national democracy.
He said that responsible journalism practice is key to the development of any
society and helps in promoting healthy democratic experience in a country like
Nigeria. He frowned at the dangers which disinformation with its concomitant
impact from fake news has caused both the larger society and the media sector,
suggesting that it is high time journalists were exposed to different trainings
that will equip them with the necessary skills to ethically practice their
profession.
He congratulated the leadership’s of the NUJ under Comrade Chris Isiguzo for the choice of Imo State for their Conference and urged the journalists to take advantage of their stay in Imo to see for themselves the developmental strides of his administration against what they may have been fed with on the social media as fake news. He told the NUJ leadership that his government had taken steps to encourage their members in Imo State, reminding them that the idea is to ensure that he helps to bring out the best in them. Governor Uzodimma’s speech reads: “It is with profound pleasure that I welcome you all to Owerri for this triennial conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. “Seeing this impressive gathering of journalists here today fills me with a sense of pride.
It not only signifies your firm dedication to your profession but also validates the strides we have made in ensuring peace and progress in Imo State. Just a few weeks ago, we had the privilege of hosting the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and now, we are honoured to welcome the NUJ.
This clearly shows that Imo State has truly returned to its rightful place as a safe and welcoming destination, the hospitality capital of the East. “I want to express my sincere appreciation to the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, and the Executive Council for choosing Imo State as the venue for this important conference. Comrade President, I know this gathering must feel like a homecoming for you, having launched your esteemed career right here in Imo State. Your leadership has been nothing short of transformative, not just in reforming the Union, but also in elevating the standards of professionalism in journalism. “I commend you, Comrade Isiguzo, for your outstanding achievements and encourage you to continue supporting the incoming administration to ensure a smooth transition and continued progress”, he said.
The chairman on the occasion, Senator Osita Izunaso, represented by Dr. Maxwell
Ngene called on government at different levels to support journalists in their
programmes.
The outgoing National President of the union, Mr. Chris Isiguzo listed some of his achievements and charged the incoming national executive to take the union to more enviable heights.
The event will feature election of new national officers.
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