Press Week 2026: NUJ Boss Alhassan Yahya Rallies Media to Fight Fake News, Fight for Fair Welfare

-Ruben-Mario Brodrick 

ABUJA — The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has declared that Press Week must transcend mere celebration, urging media professionals to view it as a critical period for introspection, professional growth, and aggressive advocacy.

​Speaking at the 2026 NUJ FCT Press Week lecture in Abuja, Comrade Yahya delivered a powerful message centered on the evolution of modern journalism, the safety of media workers, and the preservation of democratic truths.

​Navigating a Changing Media Frontier

​Acknowledging that today’s journalists operate on a rapidly shifting digital battlefield, Yahya pointed out that the rise of artificial intelligence, citizen journalism, and digital communication has triggered an unprecedented surge in misinformation and disinformation. Combined with rising security threats on the ground, the profession has never been more challenging—or more vital.

​Despite these hurdles, Yahya praised Nigerian journalists for their unwavering resilience and dedication to holding power accountable.

​"Journalists are the custodians of democracy," Yahya asserted, warning that "without a vibrant and independent press, democracy itself becomes vulnerable."


​A Critical Call for Better Welfare and Protection

​The NUJ President did not hold back regarding the systemic hardships plaguing the industry, explicitly condemning the persistent issues of poor remuneration, unpaid salaries, harassment, and unsafe working conditions.

​He emphasized that media houses and governing bodies cannot expect high-quality journalism from professionals facing economic and physical instability:

​"A journalist who works under fear, uncertainty, or hardship cannot effectively discharge the sacred responsibility of informing society."


​To combat this, Yahya revealed that the NUJ is actively negotiating with government agencies, media owners, and international development partners to prioritize institutional support, insurance coverage, and guaranteed fair pay for journalists across the country.

​Credibility as the Ultimate Asset

​As the nation faces complex political and socioeconomic challenges, Yahya reminded journalists that the future of the industry belongs to those who are tech-savvy, adaptable, and fiercely ethical. He implored media professionals to fiercely guard their credibility by shunning sensationalism, ethnic bias, and political manipulation.

​Furthermore, he called upon all levels of government and law enforcement to treat journalists as vital partners in nation-building rather than enemies of the state, demanding that security agencies proactively protect reporters in the line of duty.

​Concluding his address, the NUJ President paid tribute to the veteran journalists who paved the way for modern press freedom and called for a unified front of mentorship and collaboration to safeguard the dignity of the profession.

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