NUJ inaugurates Jigawa Online Media Chapel
By Ali Baba-Inuwa
The Jigawa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Tuesday inaugurated its Online Media Chapel, opening a new chapter in digital journalism in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony in Dutse, Comrade Ismail Ibrahin, the state’s NUJ chairman, said that the inauguration symbolised the commitment of the Union to embrace the realities of digital transformation.
“It is with immense pleasure and a profound sense of responsibility that I warmly welcome our distinguished guests, members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, media executives, government officials, development partners, and colleagues in the journalism profession to this historic occasion, the formal inauguration of the Jigawa Online Media Chapel.
“Today’s event marks another landmark in the thirty-four-year history of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Jigawa State. More than the establishment of a new chapel, this inauguration symbolizes the Union’s commitment to embracing the realities of digital transformation while safeguarding the ethics, credibility, and professionalism upon which journalism is founded,” Ibrahin said.
He said that the inauguration was in compliance with the NUJ Constitution which recognized online media practitioners as an integral part of the Union.
“The establishment of the Online Media Chapel is in full compliance with the Nigeria Union of Journalists Constitution (2022, as amended), which formally recognizes online media practitioners as an integral part of the Union. It represents a significant step towards strengthening professional journalism in an increasingly digital world,” Ibrahim said.
He said with the Chapel’s inauguration, the state’s Council has eight duly recognized chapels.
“With this inauguration, the Jigawa State Council now proudly comprises eight duly recognized chapels: Ministry of Information Chapel, Radio Jigawa Chapel, Jigawa Television (JTV) Chapel, Correspondents’ Chapel, Freedom Radio Chapel, Horizon FM Chapel, NTA Dutse Chapel and Jigawa Online Media Chapel.
“This new chapel reflects our collective resolve to harness technological innovation while preserving the core principles of journalism that is truth, accuracy, fairness, objectivity, independence, and accountability.
“Membership of the Online Media Chapel is reserved exclusively for professionally established digital media organizations operating with identifiable ownership, functional editorial structures, qualified journalists, and full adherence to the Code of Ethics of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. “It is neither intended for personal blogs nor for social media influencers, content creators, or unregulated digital platforms lacking professional editorial standards,” Ibrahim said.
He added: “Beyond institutional recognition, this chapel provides a framework for promoting ethical journalism, professional development, capacity building, self-regulation, journalists’ welfare, and greater collaboration among practitioners within the rapidly evolving digital media ecosystem.
“Distinguished colleagues, the influence of online journalism continues to expand at an unprecedented pace. With this influence comes greater responsibility. The speed of digital publishing must never supersede the principles of verification, balance, fairness, and accuracy. As custodians of public trust, we must remain resolute in rejecting misinformation, fake news, hate speech, sensationalism, and every form of unethical journalism capable of undermining public confidence and national cohesion.
“I am particularly concerned by the increasing circulation of unverified information and negative narratives on some digital platforms, which have, at times, projected Jigawa State unfairly. As professional journalists, we must distinguish ourselves by promoting factual reporting, constructive public discourse, accountability, peacebuilding, and the positive image of our state.
“I therefore call upon all eligible online media practitioners to register with and actively participate in the affairs of this chapel. Let unity, professionalism, discipline, mutual respect, and continuous learning remain the pillars upon which this new institution is built.
“To further support our members, I am delighted to announce that the NUJ Jigawa State Council has provided free internet services at the Press Centre. This initiative is aimed at enhancing research, improving productivity, and creating an enabling environment for journalists to thrive in today’s technology-driven media landscape.”
He lauded the state government for its unwavering support for press freedom, media development and constructive government-media.
“On behalf of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Jigawa State Council, I express our profound appreciation to His Excellency, Malam Umar A. Namadi, FCA, Executive Governor of Jigawa State, for his administration’s unwavering support for press freedom, media development, and constructive government-media relations.
“I also extend my sincere gratitude to Malam Hamisu Muhammad Gumel, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, whose invaluable support, commitment, and dedication greatly contributed to the successful establishment of this historic chapel.
“As we inaugurate this new chapter in the history of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Jigawa State, let us renew our collective commitment to ethical journalism, professional excellence, continuous innovation, and responsible digital reporting. Together, we shall strengthen public confidence in the media, uphold the integrity of our profession, and contribute meaningfully to democratic governance and sustainable development in Jigawa State and Nigeria,” he said.
Also speaking, NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, described the inauguration as timely as it reflected the NUJ’s commitment to embracing innovation while upholding the noble ideals of our profession.
“Online publications offer numerous advantages. They provide instant dissemination of information, enabling journalists to report events as they happen. They have a global reach, allowing stories from our communities to be accessed by audiences across the world. They are cost-effective compared to traditional print media and provide opportunities for multimedia storytelling through text, photographs, audio, videos, and infographics. They also encourage greater interaction between journalists and their audiences through comments and social media engagement,” Yahaya, represented by Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, a National Trustee NUJ Member said.
NUJ inaugurates Jigawa Online Media Chapel
