As Muslims across the nation celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has called on media practitioners in the nation’s capital to embrace the spirit of the season by championing ethical reporting, national unity, and a renewed defense of press freedom.
In a Sallah goodwill message issued on behalf of the Council’s Executive Committee, Comrade Ike emphasized that the core virtues of the season to include sacrifice, obedience, and truth must reflect in the daily conduct of journalists as the watchdogs of society.
“Our nation stands at a critical juncture where the media must act as a healing balm. We must pursue truth with a deep sense of patriotism, ensuring our reports build up the nation rather than tearing it apart,” she said.
Comrade Ike urged journalists to resist the temptation of sensationalism, fake news, and divisive narratives. She stressed that adherence to the core ethics of objectivity, balance, and factual accuracy is non-negotiable.
She reminded members of their unique responsibility to use their pens and voices to bridge ethnic and religious divides, promote mutual respect, and advocate for peaceful coexistence.
The Chairman reaffirmed that a free press is the cornerstone of any democracy. She insisted that journalists must remain courageous and unbowed in the face of intimidation while holding those in power accountable.
“The sacrifices made by journalists in the FCT, often under challenging conditions, to keep the public informed are deeply appreciated,” Comrade Ike stated.
“But as we demand freedom to do our jobs without fear or favor, we must also match that freedom with a high sense of professional responsibility.”
Reaffirming the leadership’s mandate, Comrade Ike assured members that the NUJ FCT Council remains resolutely committed to prioritizing the welfare of journalists, defending them against any violations of their rights, and fostering a safe environment for robust investigative journalism.
She used the occasion to call for unity amongst Journalists.
She concluded by wishing all Muslim media professionals a peaceful and blessed Eid celebration, urging them to extend kindness to the less privileged in the spirit of Sallah.