The seventh Quadrennial National Delegates Conference of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) is currently underway in Gombe, the capital of Gombe State, North East Nigeria.
In his opening address, the National President of RATTAWU, Comrade Kabir Tsanni, described his two terms in office as eventful and impactful.
He emphasized the union’s commitment to the welfare of its members and called for robust sectoral social dialogue and collective bargaining.
These, he said, are necessary to ensure workers have a voice in how digital tools are implemented across the media and culture industries.
Comrade Tsanni also stressed the need for increased public funding for culture, media, and the arts; protection of workers from all forms of discrimination; and the promotion of access to training and digital skills for workers at every level.
He further advocated for strong copyright protections, ownership of creative works, and enhanced cooperation among unions across nations to share strategies and achieve common goals.
In his goodwill message, the Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Baba Umar Farouq, called on Nigerians to regard themselves as one indivisible entity and to shun tribal and geopolitical discrimination in order to move the nation forward.
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Mohammed Baba of the Department of Psychology and Counseling, Faculty of Technology Education, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
Speaking on the theme “Repositioning the Media, Arts, and Culture Workforce in an Era of Digital Transformation and Economic Resilience,” Professor Baba described the media as a dynamic sector that drives societal progress and development.
He recommended regular capacity-building initiatives driven by technological advancements, improved socio-economic empowerment of workers through special welfare packages, a conducive working environment, and the provision of modern tools and equipment to boost productivity.
Earlier, the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, represented by the State Commissioner for Communication and Culture, officially declared the conference open.
He urged delegates to deliberate with unity of purpose to promote peace, unity, and progress across the nation.
Delegates across the Thirty six states of the federation will later in the day (Wednesday) re-converge to elect new officials that will run the affairs of the Union in the next four years.
Among the key contenders for leadership positions are Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu, Comrade Durosimi Dare Kazeem, Comrade Erekosima Opi Apakiriba, and Comrade Johnson Jasper T. Falae, alongside other aspirants vying for various elective offices.
The Kwara State delegation, led by the RATTAWU State Chairman, Comrade Usman Oké, has arrived safely in Gombe and is fully prepared to participate in the historic event.
Olusola Akintonde