President Muhammadu Buhari led federal government has been called upon to introduce ‘change begins with the regular payment of workers’ salaries’ as part of measures to ameliorate the sufferings of workers in the country.
The Vice President, Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ) Zone D, Comrade Wilson Bako made the call in Lokoja at the grand finale of 2016 press week.
Comrade Bako, while commending President Buhari for his dogged fight against corruption reminded the president that Nigerians are suffering with the unending economic recession.
According to the union leader, it is saddening that wages of workers is being compromised by government of the day. He added that if the plight of workers are not fully attended to, the ‘change begins with me’ campaign initiated by his administration will be defeated.
Earlier, the Kogi State council chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Ali Atabor charged practicing journalist to discharge their duties responsibly by educating and informing the people about government programs and policies with the hope of making the new direction mantra of the present administration realizable.
As the conscience of the nation and the recognition of the pivotal role they play towards sustaining Nigeria democracy, Comrade Atabor identified ethics, lack of professionalism, absence of effective regulatory body, commercialization of news content and sensationalism as some of the banes militating against media practice from playing its democratic role which according to him deserves urgent attention if they must return the lost glory of journalism.
He lamented the pathetic state of government own print and electronic media calling on the government to look into it.
Also speaking, the Speaker Kogi state House of Assembly, Rt. Honorable Umar Imam extolled the role of media practitioners in the state especially during their legislative crisis explaining that, it is their duty to protect the nation’s democracy from collapse.
The grand finale of the 2016 NUJ press week featured the unveiling of new direction magazine, and presentations of awards to deserving recipient.
