By Hope Temitope and Osamagbe Imadiyi
A presidential candidate for the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, declared on Monday at Ado-Ekiti that his primary focus will be how to restructure the NUJ, improving members’ welfare and privatization of the NUJ women wing (NAWOJ).
During his campaign, “Forward Together, Greater Union!”, the candidate presented a comprehensive vision for the union, including enhancing welfare for members, ensuring press freedom, establishing intervention funds for media, restructuring the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), and focusing on infrastructural development, thereby reinforcing the union’s commitment to supporting its members and strengthen the media landscape.
Alhassan Yahaya who hail from Gombe state, however spoke on the utmost importance that he comes to sell his manifesto to the NUJ South West zone, in order to contest for the position of the NUJ National President come Nov. 27th, 2024, which will be convening at Owerri, Imo state, with regards that he sees the South West zone as the hope of the Union.
Yahaya also pledged plans for a comprehensive insurance scheme for journalists, which will include health insurance (NHIS). “Through the state care insurance agency, we will collaborate to provide members with access to primary healthcare at an affordable cost, not exceeding N50,000, and reduce our of pocket expenses,” he stated.
The NUJ Chairman of the Ekiti Council, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, expressed strong confidence in Comrade Alhassan Yahaya’s leadership capabilities.
He called on journalists across the state and the nation to unite in support of Yahaya’s presidential ambitions and ask a preference for the NUJ, Ekiti state in order to enjoy the benefits in the Union. “Ekiti is for you, and we are going to deliver our vote,” Babatuyi assured.
Comrade Rotimi Ojomeyela, brought to the notice of the aspiring candidate of how some members of the NUJ and other sister chapels don’t take part in Unionism activities which include attending conferences or meetings.
He spoke about the importance of equity saying that “If the principle of equity is not there, life will not be balanced.”
He believes in Alhassan to moving the union forward and can bring equity into his administration if he is elected.
Mrs Ronke Samo, assures there would be contests, and various others would still contest, but admonishes that Ekiti lives by integrity and give their full support in the forthcoming election.
She mentioned Yahaya’s works and resilience in the Union which speaks for him till date she also mentioned that the NUJ members are enjoying the dividends of what he had fought for, implying that this is the time to return the favour.
She concluded by praying that there would be Journey mercies to and fro, the event would be a success and there wouldn’t be any loss of life.