IBB pledges support for new Niger NUJ exco
Former President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has assured the new executives of the Niger chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) of his full support in order to achieve their set objectives.
IBB, who was speaking during a visit by the new leadership led by the Chairman, Comrade Abu Nmodu at his Uphill residence in Minna, expressed delight with the decision of the new leadership to inculcate discipline and ensure that journalists practicing in the state are abreast of the current best global practices.
He said, “I’m impressed by the fact that you are going to move with the time in your own profession and that is a right step in the right direction.I will want to insist that you should go along with the objectives you have mentioned.
“I always watch foreign television and the way journalists deal with the developments in their countries, be it policies, be it any other thing.
“Sometimes, I keep wondering, when should we reach that level, but now that you have that at the back of your mind, I want to tell you that I will support you to achieve those objectives and I want to see a situation where Niger State becomes a hallmark of example.”
The elder statesman also stated that he is proud he hails from Niger State, saying,” Anything that will showcase the state, I will be there for you to achieve this wholeheartedly.
“I assure you of my support in whatever objective you have in mind.”
Earlier, the state council Chairman, Comrade Abu Nmodu told the elder statesman that the visit was to appreciate and seek his blessings for the new Excos.
According to him, the intention of the new leadership of NUJ was to bring about a renaissance in journalism in the state that will move with the new age and make them brace up with the best global practices in terms of media practice.
“The union is ready to establish an e-center where journalists can fact check their stories before going to press and thereby bring an end to the era of fake news,” he said.
The state NUJ chairman also lamented the deplorable condition of the Press Centre and solicited for the support of the former president in ensuring that the edifice named after him did not deteriorate into the state of disrepair.
