The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, has inducted more than 40 newly employed journalists from four chapels of the union, with a call on them to uphold professional ethics, accuracy and responsible journalism.
The induction and ethical orientation programme, the second in the series initiated by the Comrade Ayuku Pwaspo-led executive, was held on Thursday at the NUJ Press Centre in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NUJ Plateau State Council, Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo, charged the newly inducted members to demonstrate professionalism and adhere strictly to the ethics of journalism in the discharge of their daily responsibilities.
Pwaspo emphasised the importance of ethical conduct in journalism, noting that the profession carries significant constitutional responsibilities and must be practised with integrity and respect for established standards.
She urged the new members to remain committed to professional excellence and uphold the values and principles of the union.
In his remarks, a former Chairman of the NUJ Plateau State Council and Editor with the Nigerian Standard, Nde Katdapba Gobum, described the initiative as a commendable development that would strengthen professionalism among journalists in the state.
Gobum also commended the Chairman of the Plateau Publishing Corporation (PPC) Chapel for accompanying newly employed members to the orientation programme, describing the gesture as an indication of commitment to their professional development.
He stressed that there should be no compromise in news gathering and reporting, urging journalists to ensure that their reports are accurate, factual and timely.
According to him, journalism requires dedication, diligence and a strong sense of responsibility, adding that practitioners must be prepared to meet the demands and challenges of the profession.
Gobum further maintained that journalism offers equal opportunities to men and women, stressing that every journalist, irrespective of gender, must demonstrate competence and fulfil the responsibilities associated with the profession.
He reminded the newly inducted members that the NUJ has disciplinary mechanisms for addressing professional misconduct, urging them to familiarise themselves with the union’s rules and regulations.
The former council chairman also encouraged the new journalists to participate actively in union activities and devote sufficient time to their professional development.
He advised those without formal training in journalism to pursue further education in the field to improve their professional competence and deepen their understanding of journalism practice and unionism.
“You need mentorship from your senior colleagues. Be ready to learn from others, as this is one of the ways to become a better journalist,” he said. “You must give time to your profession,” Gobum added.
Also speaking, Kefas Bangari, a lecturer at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Television College, Jos, counselled the newly inducted members on the ethics of journalism and the need to maintain high professional standards in their work.
The programme was attended by members of the NUJ Plateau State Council executive, who participated in the orientation aimed at strengthening ethical awareness and promoting professionalism among journalists in the state.
More than 40 newly employed journalists from four chapels were inducted into the union.
