The Nigerian Union of Journalist has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of journalists and promoting their well-being, as it outlined its achievements and new initiatives at the North-East Regional Leadership Conference held in Yola, Adamawa State.
The National President of the Union, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, made the announcement at a meeting held at the NUJ headquarters in Yola, stressing the need for unity to revive their collective strength at a time when journalists are facing frequent threats, harassment and abuse in various parts of the country.
Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi stated that the organization’s plan to improve the welfare of its members includes the introduction of life insurance and health insurance for all working journalists, expressing concern that currently, less than one percent of journalists are insured.
He said the health insurance system will be in line with the new national system to reduce the burden of medical expenses they pay out of pocket.
He added that the organization is trying to improve the salaries of journalists by drafting and submitting the Media Enhancement Bill to the Federal Parliament for consideration and approval.
The President called on the Governor of Adamawa State to support the organization by providing a new bus and reorganizing the state NUJ secretariat to improve the work and welfare of journalists.
He also stated that the group succeeded in securing the release of journalist, Mr. Matthew Ojo, who was detained in the Republic of Benin, through coordination with the Nigerian embassy and officials.
This, according to him, is a great example of how the NUJ stands up for journalists, even if they are not full members.