By Chidinma Olivia Patrick
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, has called on the Anambra State Government to collaborate with the NUJ State Council on a health insurance scheme that will provide journalists with access to quality healthcare.
Yahya made the call at the grand finale of the NUJ Anambra State Council’s 35th Anniversary and 2026 Press Week, held at the Annabel Event Centre, Awka.
Speaking at the event, the NUJ President said improved welfare, safety and working conditions for journalists remained essential to sustaining professional journalism, while urging the Anambra State Government and well-to-do individuals to support healthcare coverage for media practitioners. He specifically called for collaboration between the NUJ Anambra State Council and the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency to ensure journalists can access healthcare at primary, secondary and tertiary levels.
“I want to also appeal to the NUJ in Anambra State to find a way of collaborating with Anambra State Health Insurance Agency so that we can be able to give our members access to good quality healthcare services at all levels,” Yahya said.
According to him, such a scheme would help reduce maternal mortality, minimise out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and contribute to the achievement of universal health coverage in the state.
He said journalists, who play a critical role in informing the public and holding institutions accountable, should not be left without adequate welfare and healthcare protection.
Yahya also urged journalists to remain committed to ethical journalism, saying credibility remained the profession’s greatest asset at a time misinformation and disinformation were increasingly affecting public discourse.
“Our greatest asset remains credibility. We must continue to tell the truth, verify before publication, give all sides a fair hearing and place public interest above personal interest,” he said.
The NUJ President urged practitioners to recognise that journalism goes beyond reporting events, stressing that the media also influences how society understands itself.
“Our report can build confidence or destroy it,” he said, urging journalists to stand firmly for justice and fairness.
Yahya said the national leadership of the union would continue to advocate ethical journalism, improved welfare and press freedom, noting that responsible journalism remained important to national development.
He also called for greater attention to the security and safety of journalists across the country, as well as continuous capacity building to equip practitioners with the skills required to operate effectively in a rapidly changing media environment.
Looking ahead to the next 35 years of journalism in Anambra, Yahya said the profession must become more technologically equipped, professionally competent, economically viable and ethically grounded, while urging practitioners not to lose sight of the human being behind every story and to continue paying attention to issues of national security and national interest.
The NUJ President commended the Anambra State Council under the leadership of its Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, as well as the State Working Committee, Advisory Planning Committee and members of the council for organising the anniversary celebration.
He described the 35-year journey as a reminder that institutions grow through the people who serve, strengthen and protect their integrity.
Yahya also congratulated High Chief Martins Nwabueze, who was honoured as the 2026 NUJ Man of the Year, as well as other award recipients recognised for their contributions to journalism, public service, philanthropy, community development and service to humanity. He said the recognition of deserving individuals should not only celebrate their achievements but also inspire others to make positive contributions to society.
The anniversary celebration was held under the theme, “NUJ Anambra, 35 Years On: Reporting with Truth, Responsibility and Service… But…,” and brought together journalists, government officials, media stakeholders and other dignitaries.
