By: Umar Mohd
Governor Bala Mohammad of Bauchi State has been commended for approving the ongoing remodeling of NUJ Press Center in the state.
The commendation was made by the former National Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, (NUJ), Shuaibu Usman Leman while speaking with Journalists after inspecting the ongoing total remodeling of the journalists center where he lauded governor Bala Mohammed, describing it as a timely boost for journalists’ welfare and the credibility of the profession.
The former NUJ National Secretary was taken round the project site by the Council chairman, Comrade Umar Sa’idu and some executive members.
Speaking after inspecting the construction site, alongside the chairman of the state council, he expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work and commended the state government for initiating the project.
“I’m happy that this work is progressing steadily and well. The welfare and security of journalists are of utmost importance. I hope that very soon we will have a press center that we can all be very proud of”, Leman added.
He argued that a conducive working environment and modern equipment should translate into higher professional standards, and challenged journalists to match the government’s investment with commitment to national development and democratic accountability.
“When we have a conducive environment to work in, when we have good working equipment and support from the government, we should put in our best to move this country forward,” he said.
He stated that Journalists have a very big responsibility to ensure that Nigeria is rid of corrupt practices and that democracy is truly representative for everyone.
He stressed that development must be grassroots-oriented, flowing from up down upwards, and said the calibre of professionals he met in Bauchi gave him confidence that the investment would yield results.
Leman reiterated the need for Journalists to strictly adhere to professional ethics and reject corrupt practices.
He noted with concern the poor remuneration of journalists in the country which remains a major obstacle that needs to be addressed by authorities concerned.
“Journalists are one of the least paid professionals in this country, not only in Bauchi State. If you don’t pay professional Journalists well to do their jobs, like the late Abiola used to say, some other people will pay them to do the job for them.”
He called on state governments and media organizations to pay journalists fairly, arguing that it is unjust to pay dropouts working in banks well while trained journalists in the media earn “peanuts.”(Echo Express)
