The President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Mohammed Garba, in Abuja, yesterday, called for improved funding of government media organisations.
Garba made the appeal when he paid a courtesy call on the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Ima Niboro.
He said adequate funding was necessary for the media to discharge their functions effectively, especially as the country prepared for the 2015 general elections.
According to him, proper funding of the organisations is also needed for balanced reportage.
“We have been agitating and we will continue to agitate that when it comes to appointment of leadership of government-owned media, and press secretaries, practical journalists should be appointed,’’ he said.
Garba commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the appointment of Niboro but noted that it came at a critical time when there were financial challenges for government-owned media and other agencies.
“We have no doubt that going by your background and experience that you will be able to lead NAN,’’ he said, and pledged the union’s support.
Garba explained that the visit was to congratulate Niboro on his appointment and urged him to use his office to improve the welfare of staff of the agency.
The NUJ president was accompanied on the visit by the General Secretary of the union, Mr Shu’aib Leman.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
