….”Journalists’ Welfare Is Non-Negotiable”
In a compelling manifesto, Okakuro Akpokona Omafuaire has announced his candidacy for the Chairmanship of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, underscoring the essential need for improved welfare and rights for journalists.
His campaign slogan, “Journalists’ Welfare Is Non-Negotiable,” addresses the pressing challenges faced by media professionals today, including unpaid salaries, lack of health and life insurance, harassment, and job insecurity.
Omafuaire emphasized the need to return the NUJ to its foundational purpose to protect the welfare and rights of journalists.
He proposed an Immediate Welfare Protection Framework, which includes establishing a Journalists’ Emergency Welfare Fund, ensuring that members have essential support during crises.
In addressing intimidation and harassment, he pledged to activate a rapid legal response team for detained or harassed journalists, strengthen partnerships with civil society organizations, and provide safety and digital security training.
“An attack on one journalist must trigger the response of the entire union,” he stated.
Under his vision for transparency in leadership, Omafuaire promised to publish financial reports at every Congress and to ensure that welfare disbursements follow clear, documented procedures.
He advocated for consultative decision making involving chapel leaders to maintain member trust and ensure accessibility of leadership.
Recognizing that economic empowerment is a crucial aspect of welfare, he committed to organizing regular capacity-building workshops in digital journalism and supporting freelance journalists who often lack adequate protection.
Omafuaire called for unity among journalists across all media sectors, stating that a united voice strengthens negotiation power, allowing NUJ Warri to effectively advocate for its members.
“If elected Chairman, welfare will come first, transparency will be standard, and silence in the face of injustice will end. This campaign is not about power; it is about restoring dignity to journalism,” he declared.
His rallying cry urged fellow journalists to reclaim their strength, encouraging them to vote for welfare, accountability, and action in the upcoming election.
