By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Jigawa State Council, on Tuesday inaugurated its Online Media Chapel, marking a major milestone in the recognition and professionalisation of digital journalism in the state.
The inauguration, held at the NUJ Press Centre in Dutse, formally established the Online Media Chapel as the eighth recognised chapel under the Jigawa State Council.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NUJ, Jigawa State Council, Comrade Ismaila Ibrahim Dutse, described the occasion as another landmark in the 34-year history of the union in the state.
He said the establishment of the chapel demonstrates the union’s commitment to embracing digital transformation while safeguarding the ethics, credibility and professionalism upon which journalism is founded.
According to him, the Online Media Chapel was created in line with the NUJ Constitution (2022, as amended), which formally recognises online media practitioners as an integral part of the union.
“The inauguration is more than the establishment of a new chapel. It represents our commitment to strengthening professional journalism in an increasingly digital world while preserving truth, accuracy, fairness, independence and accountability,” he said.
Dutse explained that the Jigawa State Council now comprises eight recognised chapels, namely the Ministry of Information Chapel, Radio Jigawa Chapel, Jigawa Television (JTV) Chapel, Correspondents’ Chapel, Freedom Radio Chapel, Horizon FM Chapel, NTA Dutse Chapel and the newly inaugurated Online Media Chapel.
He said membership of the Online Media Chapel is reserved exclusively for professionally established digital media organisations with identifiable ownership, functional editorial structures and qualified journalists operating in accordance with the NUJ Code of Ethics.
He added that the chapel is not intended for personal blogs, social media influencers, content creators or unregulated digital platforms without professional editorial standards.
The NUJ chairman stressed that while digital journalism continues to grow rapidly, journalists must never sacrifice verification, balance, fairness and accuracy for speed.
He urged practitioners to reject fake news, misinformation, hate speech, sensationalism and other unethical practices 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. As professional journalists, we must distinguish ourselves through factual reporting, constructive public discourse, accountability, peacebuilding and promoting the positive image of our state,” he said.
He called on all eligible online media practitioners to register with and actively participate in the affairs of the chapel to strengthen professionalism, discipline and unity within the profession.
As part of efforts to support journalists, Dutse announced that the NUJ Jigawa State Council had provided free internet services at the Press Centre to improve research, boost productivity and create an enabling environment for journalists.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi, FCA, for his administration’s support for press freedom, media development and constructive government-media relations.
The NUJ chairman also commended the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Hamisu Muhammad Gumel, for his commitment and invaluable contributions towards the successful establishment of the Online Media Chapel.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Alhaji Hamisu Muhammad Gumel, the representative Muttaka Turaki Gujungu SA social media to the governor congratulated the leadership and members of the newly inaugurated chapel, describing its establishment as a recognition of the growing influence of digital journalism in informing, educating and shaping public discourse.
He reaffirmed that the Jigawa State Government regards the media as a strategic partner in promoting transparency, accountability and sustainable development, while urging online journalists to uphold professionalism, accuracy, fairness and ethical journalism.
He noted that in an era where information travels at unprecedented speed, credibility remains the greatest asset of every journalist.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated executives, the Chairman of the Jigawa Online Media Chapel, Sani Labaran, pledged the commitment of the leadership and members of the chapel to abide by the constitution, rules and regulations of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
Labaran assured the NUJ leadership that the new chapel would uphold professionalism, discipline, accountability and ethical journalism in all its activities.
He also urged members to guard against the spread of fake news, misinformation and mischievous publications capable of misleading the public and damaging the reputation of the journalism profession.
He said the chapel would prioritise factual reporting, continuous professional development and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to strengthen responsible digital journalism in Jigawa State.
The inauguration is expected to promote ethical digital journalism, strengthen collaboration among online media practitioners and deepen public confidence in the media profession in Jigawa State.
