July 27, 2015 – Trade Union Congress (TUC) has congratulated President Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Waheed Odusile on his election and tasked him to work to ensure that non-payment of salaries in the media becomes a thing of the past.
“The Congress is particularly disturbed that several journalists, who are also heads of families, are owed as much as 10 months salaries at a time when their counterparts in other climes are being well taken care of. This is very improper, and we hope your administration will rise up to the challenge.
“Our hands of friendship and co-operation remain extended to you at all times as you endeavour to implement these and other cogent agenda for the benefit of the Nigerian journalist”, TUC said in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Comrade Musa Lawal.
“ On behalf of the President, the National Administrative Council (NAC) and entire members of the Congress, I hereby heartily congratulate you on your recent election as National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). We also felicitate with your union on the peaceful and successful conduct of the elections.
“ An overview of your election manifesto leaves us persuaded of your ability to take the practice of journalism to greater levels in Nigeria. We trust that you would ensure the entrenchment of professionalism and high ethical standards in the practice of journalism in the country, bearing in mind the fact that mismanagement of information does no society any good”, TUC said.
It Implored him to work assiduously to improve the welfare of your members. “Taking into cognisance the risks involved on the job, a good insurance programme that guarantees the future of journalists would be a welcome initiative.
“We also urge you to make the issue of training and re-training of journalists a priority during your tenure, to ensure that journalists in the country stand tall among their counterparts in other parts of the world and sustain the respect the profession commands globally”, the statement said.
