Sola POPOOLA
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has felicitated journalists in the SouthWest Zone in particular and Nigeria at large ,for witnessing the New Year 2023.
The NUJ Vice-President in the Zone(B-Zone) , Comrade Ronke Afebioye- Samo,in her goodwill message to the union members in the zone rejoiced with journalists, Media owners, and stakeholders .
Samo, who expressed profound gratitude to the Almighty God,for sparing the lives of her members to witness the new year also prayed for the divine protection for them as we approach the election year .
“As the year 2022 is winding up and we are embracing a brand new year, 2023, in less than 24 hours time, l felicitate my colleagues in the South West and in our great country Nigeria at large, for being alive and well to witness the end of this year and praying the great Lord will protect us all into the new year, 2023.
“No doubt, 2022 was both a year of challenges and successes, l urge us to continue to uphold the ethical principles of our noble profession as not only watchdogs of the society but also its conscience.
I urge us to shun acts capable of portraying us in bad light as we practice our trade with a view to mainly protect the overall public interest.
“As we are approaching an election year, our responsibility as the fourth estate of the realm, should take priority over any personal matters in our dealings with issues of public interest as we must have the best interest of the people at heart in discharging our duties, with utmost dedication and commitment to the ideals of democracy and nationhood.
“Media managers, stakeholders and particularly government at all levels are all enjoined to give our colleagues the enabling environment to function properly as watchdogs of our society and more importantly, as the fourth estate of the realm. Acts capable of gagging the media on the part of politicians and government officials are advised to be discouraged as we pursue a truly democratic process that will guarantee quality participation in nation building by all parties and bring meaningful progress and development to our great country.
” On behalf of the Exco and leaders of NUJ Zone B, l wish all and sundry happy and prosperous new year in advance. ” the VP said .