By Faith Awa Maji
As the world marked this year 2023 Press Freedom Day, the Katsina State Council Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Tukur Hassan Dan-Ali has called on stakeholders in the media industry to give priority to the welfare of journalists.
Dan-Ali lamented that most journalists are poorly paid, equiped and motivated hence there is urgent need for the stakeholders to address the menace.
“We regret the fact that most Journalists are poorly paid, poorly equiped and poorly motivated especially the freelance Journalists; we therefore call on all proprietors of Print and broadcast media organizations to as a matter of urgency give priority to the welfare of their workers.
“On Security Challenges facing Katsina and other neighbouring States, the NUJ is always ready to cooperate with all Agencies particularly the Security sector towards overcoming the problem.
“As the present State administration is preparing to hand over to the newly elected government, we hope that the mutual understanding that exists between Journalists and the outgoing State Government will be maintained by the incoming administration.”
He however urged practicing journalists in the State to continue to abide by the ethics and norms of the journalism profession “we must continue to be guided by the fear of God and patriotism in the discharge of our duties as watch dogs of the society.
“We recall that Journalists played a vital role in the struggle and successful attainment of Nigeria’s Independence in 1960, as well as the return to the current democratic dispensation from 1999 to date.
“Equally, in Katsina State, the pen professionals have in no small measure contributed to the general development of the State through positive reportage of issues and events that affect governance and the generality of people in the State.
“The NUJ as a body is therefore of the opinion that the press as the fourth estate of the realm deserves to be given much attention by both government and members of our communities.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all other human rights”.