By Funmi Ojo
The Deputy National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mrs. Abimbola Oyetunde, has underscored the need for continuous capacity building and professionalism among journalists to safeguard the future of the profession.
Mrs. Oyetunde made the call while declaring open the three-day 2026 Southwest NUJ/NAWOJ Retreat at Ilaji Resort, Oyo State.
Speaking on the theme, “Stronger Together: Collaboration, Capacity and Sustainability for the Future of Journalism,” she described it as timely, noting that the media industry is experiencing rapid transformation driven by technological advancement, artificial intelligence, misinformation, economic challenges and changing audience expectations.
According to her, the evolving media landscape requires journalists to strengthen collaboration, continually improve their professional skills and adopt sustainable strategies that will ensure the growth and relevance of journalism.
She urged media practitioners to uphold the ethics of the profession by maintaining accuracy, fairness and objectivity in their reports, stressing that the public depends on journalists for credible and factual information.
Mrs. Oyetunde also cautioned journalists against the spread of fake news and misinformation, emphasizing that professionalism remains the bedrock of responsible journalism.
She further encouraged members of the NUJ and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) to embrace unity, mutual respect, continuous learning and collaboration in advancing the ideals of the profession.
In a remark, the Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, Mr. Akeem Abas said the read has been able to create a bond among Journalists in the southwest, calling for a periodic retreat for NUJ and NAWOJ members.
Earlier, the NAWOJ Southwest Zonal Vice President, Mrs. Adeola Adekunle, said capacity building for women journalists must go beyond digital storytelling and investigative reporting.
Mrs. Adekunle noted that female journalists should also be equipped with digital security skills, trauma management, legal awareness and the confidence to withstand coordinated online harassment and attacks, describing these as essential competencies for thriving in today’s media environment.
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