President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Alhassan Yahaya on his election as President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) during the Union’s 8th Triennial National Delegates Conference held on November 27, 2024, in Owerri, Imo State.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Yahaya’s election as a clear endorsement of his leadership qualities by journalists nationwide.
“President Tinubu says Yahaya’s overwhelming victory was a testament to the NUJ members’ confidence in his leadership qualities,” the statement read.
Tinubu expressed optimism about Yahaya’s ability to lead the Union effectively, citing his prior experience as Deputy President of the NUJ as a critical asset.
He urged the new leadership to focus on upholding ethical standards in journalism and fostering collaboration with the government to promote equity and justice.
“The President expects Yahaya’s tenure to reflect a strengthened commitment to ethical journalism and collaboration with the government to build a just society,” Onanuga added.
Tinubu also extended his congratulations to other newly elected NUJ executives and commended the Union for conducting a peaceful and orderly election.
He reiterated the importance of a free and independent press, describing it as essential to deepening democracy and fostering national development.
The President called on journalists to carry out their duties with renewed patriotism, in alignment with the vision of Nigeria’s founding media pioneers.
The NUJ’s new leadership faces the challenge of addressing unethical practices in the media industry while strengthening journalism’s role in national development.