The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk, has emphasized the importance of adhering to journalism ethics for new members joining the Union.

He made this clear during the orientation ceremony for 190 applicants on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at the Akwa Ibom State NUJ Press Center in Uyo.

In his address, Comrade Etuk urged the new members to uphold the ethics and values of the journalism profession and respect the Union’s tenets. He stressed that maintaining discipline and contributing positively to the Union and the profession is crucial for their continued membership.

He noted, “The new orientation that you’re coming into NUJ is not a fanfare, to add to the already existing number or a space to do whatever you want, as such you must also uphold yourselves in the discipline along the line of the ethics of the journalism profession.”

Etuk also warned against the dissemination of fake and unverified news, cautioning that any member who engages in activities that tarnish the Union’s image would be delisted immediately. He advised the inductees to focus on development journalism, which aligns with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, emphasizing the media’s role as the fourth estate, responsible for holding the government accountable and setting the agenda for good governance.

The NUJ Chairman highlighted the structure of the Union, including:

– The National President
– Central Working Committee (CWC)
– Zonal Leadership (with Akwa Ibom NUJ in Zone F)
– State Working Committee (SWC)
– State Executive Council (SEC)
– Chapels

He assured the new members of the Union’s commitment to their welfare and noted that each would receive a copy of the NUJ Constitution as an operational guide during their official induction at the August 2024 Congress.

The orientation also featured lectures by esteemed journalists, including Comrade Sunday Antai and Comrade Ibanga Isine, who spoke on “Writing Skills, Editing and Evolving Trends in Journalism Practice,” and “Media Ethics, Professionalism, and Investigative Reporting,” respectively. Other topics covered included “Understanding NUJ as a Professional Body/Trade Union” by Comrade Comfort Umanah, and “Building a Career in Journalism” by Dominic Akpan.

Goodwill messages were delivered by notable Union leaders, including Comrade Nsibiet John, Chairman of the Federated Chapel; Comrade Justice Udousoro, representing past Secretaries of the Union; and Comrade Innocent Okon, representing past Chairmen of the Union.

The Union is set to induct 190 new members during the August 2024 Congress, bringing the total membership to 792. With this addition, the Akwa Ibom State NUJ will become the largest in Zone F and the fourth largest in Nigeria.