The Convener of Society for Journalism Enhancement Initiatives (S4JEI), Dr. Gbemiga Bamidele extends warm congratulations to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on its Platinum Jubilee celebration, marking 70 years of unwavering dedication to the noble profession of journalism.
This is contained in a congratulatory message to the President of NUJ, Mallam Alhasan Yahya, which he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Sunday.
According to him, “my pleasure derives from my knowledge of the circumstances of the rebirth of the Union on March 15, 1955 and its survival for seventy years, celebrating a Platinum Jubilee”
In his words: “I am impressed that Nigerian Journalists have made their marks worldwide, respected and trusted, and at home remain actively engaged in the quest for excellence in the service of our country and humanity. In fact, the Nigerian Press has been in the vanguard of the struggle for human dignity, human rights and social welfare”
Dr. Bamidele emphasized that the Press was the principal weapon in the fight against British colonialism and native tyranny in the civilian and military governments that succeeded foreign rule.
“I would like to give credit to the monumental legacy of great journalists like the first President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mobolaji Odunewu and the first General Secretary, Olu Oyesanya, Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo, all of blessed memories, to mention but few. Sam Amuka is still with us”, he added.
Dr. Bamidele further stated that, “it is not possible to exhaust this list of honour suffice it to say that the NUJ and indeed all Nigerian Journalists have every reason to be proud of our heritage”.
“Mr President, you will accept my warm congratulations on this auspicious occasion of the Platinum Jubilee of our great Union and also accept my regards and best wishes at all times as you thrive to take the Union to an enviable level, please.
“As the NUJ embarks on its next chapter, S4JEI commends the Union’s commitment to excellence and looks forward to continued collaboration in advancing the interests of journalism and journalists in Nigeria”, he concluded.
