The Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, has urged journalists to put aside post-election grievances and focus on building unity within the profession.
During a Night of Tribute organized by Comrade Grace Ike and the Executive Committee of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT chapter in honour of departed colleagues, Ndace emphasized the importance of journalists recognizing and supporting winners, while also adequately preparing for future competitions.
“The elections are over. Go back to the trenches and wait for the next three years. Congratulate the winners and move on, rather than harbouring resentment or isolating yourself,” he advised.
The DG highlighted the importance of mutual respect and professional collaboration, regardless of political differences.
“As journalists, we must rise above divisions and support one another while maintaining our integrity and objectivity,” he said.
Ndace also emphasised the role of introspection in journalism, urging media professionals to apply the same level of scrutiny to themselves that they direct toward others.
He challenged members to avoid internal conflicts and work toward a united front that reflected the profession’s values.
Reflecting on the passing of the late NUJ members, he shared a personal story of his efforts to support Late Rafat during a VON retreat. He called on journalists to prioritise empathy and resolve conflicts promptly, reminding them that unresolved grievances could lead to lifelong regret.
He further praised the NUJ FCT chapter for honouring their late colleagues and called for journalists to remain steadfast in promoting truthful and credible narratives about Nigeria and Africa.
The DG called on journalists to take advantage of every chance to promote understanding and strengthen the journalism community in a message of optimism and solidarity.
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahaya, emphasised the inevitability of life and the fragility of human existence, urging colleagues to reflect on their actions and prioritise forgiveness as a step toward professional growth.
“A moment like this reminds us that life is fragile and inevitable. I appeal to all of us to let this date serve as a bridge for forgiveness. Let us forgive one another and focus on taking our profession to greater heights,” he said.
Yahaya eulogised the late journalists, particularly Rafat and Isaiah, describing them as exceptional professionals who left indelible marks in their careers.
He highlighted Rafat’s honesty and reliability, stating, “Rafat was someone tested and trusted. She would look you in the face and tell you nothing but the truth.”
On Isaiah, Yahaya recounted a memorable encounter with him during his campaign for NUJ presidency, describing Isaiah as a supportive senior colleague whose counsel left a lasting impression.
The NUJ President commended the FCT council for organising the tribute, acknowledging the difficulty of such engagements while stressing their importance in fostering remembrance and solidarity.
“I must commend the council for organising this tribute. Although we do not like such engagements, it is vital to honour our fallen heroes and unite as a profession,” he noted.
Yahaya reassured the union’s commitment to supporting the families of the deceased journalists. He pledged continued efforts to ensure the welfare and education of the late journalists’ children, emphasising that the union would stand by the families in their time of need.
“On behalf of the union, we will continue to work closely with the families to ensure their children excel in school. This is our responsibility, and we will not shy away from it,” Yahaya affirmed.
He expressed gratitude to members and leaders of the union for their participation and leadership, urging them to uphold the values of unity and compassion.
The event, held in honour of four late journalists, served as a moment of reflection and collective commitment to strengthening the bonds within the journalism community. The Night of Tribute was held in honour of the late Rafat Idris Salami, the late Ogonnaya Regina, the late Elder Isiah Abraham, and the late Victor Oluwasegun.
The event garnered the attendance of distinguished journalists from both Abuja and beyond. Present at the occasion were Hajia Sani, the Director of the Digital Media Department; Hauwa Ajeje, the Director of the Programmes Department; and Aliyu Othman, the Head of the News Department at Voice of Nigeria.
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