The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has extended warm Christmas greetings to journalists, media practitioners, partners and residents of the state, urging them to embrace the values of love, sacrifice, peace and hope which the season represents.
In a Christmas message jointly signed by the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Akeem Abas, and the Secretary, Dayo Adu, the Council said the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ served as a reminder of principles that were fundamental not only to societal harmony but also to the journalism profession.
The union noted that the yuletide offered journalists another opportunity to reflect on their sacred responsibility as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, stressing the need to continually uphold professionalism, truth, fairness and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
The Council commended journalists in Oyo State for their resilience, dedication and commitment, despite prevailing socio-economic challenges, describing their sacrifices and courage in keeping the public informed as worthy of appreciation.
It also called on government at all levels, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to intensify support for the media, especially in the areas of capacity building, improved welfare and the provision of a safe working environment for journalists, noting that a free and responsible press is vital to democratic growth and sustainable development.
The NUJ further prayed that the Christmas season would bring renewed hope, peace and prosperity to homes across the state, expressing optimism that the coming year would usher in greater achievements for the union, the journalism profession and Oyo State as a whole.
