NUJ Inaugurates Online Media Chapel in Jigawa, Sets Professional Standards

By Umar Idris Shuaibu

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Jigawa State Council, has inaugurated its Online Media Chapel, marking a significant milestone in the recognition and professionalisation of digital journalism in the state.

The inauguration ceremony, held on Tuesday at the NUJ Press Centre in Dutse, officially 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 inauguration as another landmark in the union’s 34-year history in the state, saying it reflects the council’s commitment to embracing digital transformation while preserving the ethics, credibility and professionalism of journalism.

According to him, the Online Media Chapel was established in line with the provisions of the NUJ Constitution (2022, as amended), which formally recognises online media practitioners as integral members of the union.

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“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 the core values of truth, accuracy, fairness, independence and accountability,” Dutse said.

He 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.

The NUJ chairman noted that membership of the Online Media Chapel is strictly reserved 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 clarified that the chapel does not accommodate personal blogs, social media influencers, content creators or unregulated digital platforms lacking professional editorial standards.

Dutse urged online journalists to uphold the highest standards of ethical journalism, stressing that the increasing speed of information dissemination must never come at the expense of verification, fairness, balance and accuracy.

He warned against the spread of fake news, misinformation, hate speech and sensational reporting, noting that such practices undermine public confidence and threaten 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.

To improve journalists’ productivity and research capacity, Dutse announced that the NUJ Jigawa State Council had provided free internet services at the Press Centre for members.

He also 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 further commended the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Hamisu Muhammad Gumel, for his commitment and contributions toward the successful establishment of the Online Media Chapel.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Chief Press Secretary, Muttaka Turaki Gujungu, Special Assistant on Social Media to the Governor, congratulated the leadership and members of the new chapel, describing its establishment as recognition of the growing role of digital journalism in informing, educating and shaping public discourse.

He reaffirmed the Jigawa State Government’s commitment to partnering with the media in promoting transparency, accountability and sustainable development, while urging online journalists to remain committed to professionalism, fairness and ethical reporting.

Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated executives, the Chairman of the Jigawa Online Media Chapel, Sani Labaran, pledged that the leadership and members of the chapel would abide by the constitution, rules and regulations of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

He assured the NUJ leadership that the chapel would promote professionalism, discipline, accountability and ethical journalism while discouraging fake news, misinformation and other unethical practices capable of misleading the public and damaging the credibility of the journalism profession.

Labaran added that 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 enhance collaboration among online media practitioners, promote ethical digital journalism and deepen public confidence in the media profession across Jigawa State.