RATTAWU Calls for Media Salaries and Better Working Conditions for Media Professionals on International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

By Admin
5th November 2024

On November 4, 2024, the Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting House in Ikoyi, Lagos, hosted a significant event to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. Organized by SPCD and the management of Voice of Nigeria, in partnership with the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) and Kanempress Digital Hub, the event also received support from SSASCGOC and NUJ. This year’s event centered around the theme: “Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies,” serving as a powerful rallying cry for the protection and fair treatment of journalists, especially during times of crisis.

Comrade Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha’s Address

During the event, RATTAWU Chairman Comrade Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha delivered a passionate speech calling for better salaries and improved working conditions for media professionals. He underscored the critical role journalists play in society and the increasing dangers they face in their line of work.

“Journalism is a noble profession, yet our journalists are often underpaid and overworked, especially in a country grappling with economic challenges,” Mustapha stated. He emphasized that fair compensation is essential not only for the welfare of journalists but also for the health of democracy itself. “When journalists are supported, they can continue to serve as the eyes and ears of the public,” he added.

Dr. Mujeedah Abdul-Aleem Olagunju, Assistant Director of the SPCD Department and organizer of the event, opened the gathering by emphasizing the significance of the UN’s International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, observed on November 2nd each year. Voice of Nigeria marked the day on November 4th, joining global efforts to highlight the dangers faced by journalists, particularly in conflict zones like Gaza, Ukraine, and Russia. The event also featured speakers who shared advice on how journalists can protect themselves while reporting the truth without becoming targets themselves.

Earlier, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, represented by the Deputy Director of Training, Mrs. Ugonma Cokey, commended the SPCD Department and all other partners for organizing this important and timely event. She also called for more professionalism in the media, urging participants to be mindful of the need for balanced reporting and stressing the importance of addressing fake news, disinformation, and misinformation within the industry.

To enrich the discussion, several Directors and Deputy Directors also added their voices, contributing valuable insights to the conversation.

The Broader Context of Threats

The event highlighted the grim realities facing journalists, particularly in Nigeria. Recent statistics reveal that Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places for media professionals, with numerous instances of violence and intimidation reported. Mustapha referenced cases like the murder of Tordue Salem, a journalist killed in 2021 while investigating corruption, as a classical example of the risks faced by those dedicated to uncovering the truth.

The broader African context was also addressed, with speakers noting that journalists across the continent face similar threats. Comrade Sagbale from SSASCGOC pointed out that in many regions, journalists are subject to brutal reprisals simply for doing their jobs, while Jomoke Falaye, the Chairperson of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), echoed the need for systemic changes to protect media workers.

A Call to Action

The event served as a platform for a collective call to action, urging stakeholders to support media organizations in creating safer environments for journalists. Mustapha highlighted the need for financial backing for media houses, allowing them to uphold their commitment to delivering accurate and timely information to the public.

“Every journalist deserves a safe workplace and fair remuneration for their contributions,” Mustapha declared, reinforcing the idea that economic stability is essential for the freedom of the press.

Finally

As we commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the messages delivered at the event resonate deeply. The call for better salaries and working conditions for journalists across Nigeria and Africa is not just a matter of economic necessity; it is a fundamental issue of justice and democratic integrity.

I also take this moment to commend the MacArthur Foundation and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) for their continuous advocacy for better journalistic practices in Nigeria and across Africa. Their tireless efforts in promoting press freedom and safeguarding the rights of media professionals are invaluable in the fight for a more just and transparent society.

As we move forward, let us remember that the safety and well-being of journalists are paramount to ensuring a well-informed society. Together, we can advocate for a future where journalists can report freely, safely, and fairly, allowing them to fulfill their critical role in our democracies.