Nigeria Union of Journalists at 70: Its History, Challenges And Legacy of Excellence With Resilience.
By Charles Segun ADEGBITE
Saturday, March 15, 2025, marked a significant milestone in the history of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as members celebrated its 70th anniversary. Founded in 1955, during Nigeria's struggle for independence from British colonial rule, the NUJ has evolved into a formidable force in the country's media landscape.
The National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya in his celebration message decried poor renumeration of journalists across the country. In a press briefing to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Union at its national headquarters, he lamented the way journalists are treated in Nigeria.
In celebrating this 70th anniversary also, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, the Ogun State Chairman of the NUJ, Abeokuta, where journalism started in Nigeria in 1859, also commended the Nigerian journalists for their unwavering commitment to ethical journalism, describing their efforts as instrumental in shaping public discourse, deepening democracy, and fostering good governance.
He noted that Nigerian journalists, particularly those in Ogun State, have played a critical role in keeping the public informed, holding leaders accountable, and ensuring that important events are accurately reported. According to him, their dedication to truth, precision, and responsible journalism remains a foundation for strengthening democratic values and promoting transparency in governance.
With the above statements from the leaders of the NUJ at the national and Ogun State levels, I'm delving into the genesis of the Union, some of the challenges faced within the last 70years, and some of the numerous achievements of this trade union.
The Birth of NUJ: How It Began
The NUJ was born out of the need for journalists to advocate for better working conditions, professional standards, and fair remuneration. Led by visionary leaders like Mobolaji Odunewu who became the pioneering President and Chief Olu Oyesanya, the first General Secretary, the union's early years were marked by determination and resilience.
Initially, the NUJ focused on addressing issues such as poor pay and working conditions, but it soon expanded its scope to promote professional standards and ethics in journalism.
Growth and Expansion
Over the years, the NUJ has experienced remarkable growth and expansion. From its humble beginnings in Lagos, the union has spread its wings across Nigeria, establishing 37 state councils, six zones, and numerous chapels in media organizations. The NUJ has also forged alliances with affiliate bodies like the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Education Writers' Association of Nigeria (EWAN), among others.
Challenges and Triumphs
Despite its many achievements, the NUJ has faced numerous challenges over the years. The union has had to contend with issues such as poor funding, inadequate infrastructure, and the harassment of journalists.
However, the NUJ has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt and overcome adversity. In 1977, the union underwent a significant restructuring, which transformed it into an effective trade union and professional body.
Here are a few examples of journalists who have been victims of government war against the press in Nigeria:
Military Rule (1966-1979, 1983-1999)
Notable among journalists who suffered during military rules were:
1. Dele Giwa:
A prominent journalist and Editor in Chief of Newswatch magazine, Giwa was killed by a parcel bomb on 19 October, 1986, during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.
2. Bagauda Kaltho:
A journalist with The News magazine, Kaltho was arrested and detained in 1995 by the military regime of General Sani Abacha. He was later released, but his experience had a lasting impact on his health.
3. Tunde Oladepo:
He was the Bureau Chief of the Guardian Newspapers in Ogun State and State Chairman of the NUJ Ogun State Council before he was killed by masked gunmen in 1998.
Media Organizations shut down or brutally dealt with during the military era were many, through the use of Decrees promulgated to infringe on press freedom and wage war against the media. Few of them are mentioned below:
1. Newswatch magazine:
This magazine was shut down in 1987 by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.
2. The News magazine:
This magazine was shut down in 1993 by the military regime of General Sani Abacha.
3. Tell Magazine:
This magazine was shut down in 1996 by the military regime of General Sani Abacha.
Civilian Administration (1999-present)
1. Bayo Ohu:
A journalist with The Guardian newspaper, Ohu was killed in 2009 by unknown gunmen, who were suspected to be agents of the state government.
2. Edo Sule Ugbagwu:
A journalist with The Nation newspaper, Ugbagwu was killed in 2010 by unknown gunmen, who were suspected to be agents of the state government.
3. Jones Abiri:
A journalist with the Weekly Source newspaper, Abiri was arrested and detained in 2016 by the Department of State Services (DSS) for over two years without trial.
4. Premium Times:
This online newspaper has been a vocal critic of the government, and its staff have been harassed and detained on several occasions.
5. Daily Trust:
This newspaper was raided by the military in 2019, and its staff were detained and questioned over a story that the military deemed "unpatriotic".
6) African Independent Television (AIT):
This television station was shut down in 2007 by the government of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.
7. Channels Television:
This television station was fined and warned by the government in 2020 over its coverage of the #EndSARS protests.
Recent Attacks on Journalists
Nigeria has a long history of suppression of press freedom. Written below are some disturbing examples of the government's war against the press.
In 2020, there were 51 incidents of assaults, arrests, and prosecution of journalists in Nigeria, with three journalists killed, 34 assaulted, and 12 arrested.
Here are some examples of journalists who were attacked in 2020 alone:
1. Onifade Emmanuel:
A journalist with Gboah TV, Emmanuel was attacked by hoodlums while covering a protest in Lagos on October 20, 2020.
2. Eniola Daniel:
A journalist with The Punch newspaper, Daniel was attacked by police officers while covering a protest in Lagos on October 20, 2020.
3. Kunle Folarin:
A journalist with The Punch newspaper, Folarin was attacked by hoodlums while covering a protest in Lagos on October 20, 2020.
4. TVC News crew:
A TVC News crew was attacked by police officers while covering a protest in Lagos on October 20, 2020.
5. Arise TV crew:
An Arise TV crew was attacked by police officers while covering a protest in Abuja on October 19, 2020.
6. Channels TV reporter, Precious Owolabi:
Owolabi was shot and killed while covering a protest in Abuja on July 22, 2020.
7. Vanguard reporter, Tordue Salem
Salem was attacked by unknown assailants in Abuja on October 13, 2020.
8. Daily Trust reporter, Musa Abdullahi Krishi:
Krishi was arrested and detained by police officers while covering a protest in Abuja on October 19, 2020.
These incidents are just a few examples of the many attacks on journalists in Nigeria in 2020.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that 99 journalists were killed worldwide in 2023, with 78 of those killings being directly related to their work.
Impunity and Lack of Accountability
Impunity for crimes against journalists remains a significant issue, with over 80% of murders of journalists going unsolved.
The lack of accountability has created a culture of fear among journalists, leading to self-censorship and a decline in public-interest reporting.
International Concerns
The United Nations Special Rapporteur for freedom of expression and opinion has expressed concerns about the decline of press freedom globally, including in Nigeria.
Reporters Without Borders' 2023 World Press Freedom Index highlights the challenging environment for journalists in Nigeria, with the country ranking poorly in terms of press freedom.
The Current Landscape
Today, the NUJ operates in a rapidly changing media landscape. The rise of digital media, social media, and citizen journalism has transformed the way news is consumed and produced. However, these changes have also brought new challenges, such as the proliferation of fake news, the harassment of journalists, and the erosion of professional standards.
The Way Forward
As the NUJ celebrates its 70th anniversary, it is clear that the union still has a vital role to play in promoting excellence and professionalism in journalism. The NUJ must continue to adapt to the changing media landscape, while remaining true to its core values of promoting professional standards, protecting the rights of journalists, and advocating for a free and independent press.
The Nigerian government must take concrete steps to address the concerns mentioned earlier, ensure accountability for crimes against journalists, and protect press freedom.
In conclusion, the Nigeria Union of Journalists has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1955. As the union celebrates its 70th anniversary, it is a testament to the resilience and determination of Nigerian journalists. The NUJ's legacy of excellence and professionalism continues to inspire generations of journalists, and its impact on the Nigerian media landscape will be felt for years to come.
Charles Segun Adegbite, who had been OgunNews Today Chapel Chairman of the NUJ in Ogun State (2003-2004) and Vice Chairman of Ekiti State Correspondents Chapel(2012-2014) is the Editor/Publisher of Successful People Magazine.
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