http://www.ahmadabdulkadir.com.ng/

Ahmed Abdulkadir, Katsina (2025)

28/09/2025

Once a Journalist, Always a Journalist?

In my recent reflections on the role of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the growing army of non-NUJ practitioners in the media space, one question keeps returning: Who exactly is a journalist? And more importantly, if someone studied journalism, practiced for several years, but later switched careers—into public relations, politics, or academia—can they still be called a journalist?

It’s a question that is not as straightforward as it looks.

Take Segun Adeniyi, for example. He once served as Presidential Spokesman under the late Umaru Musa Yar’adua, but his identity in journalism never faded. Today, he is the Chair of the Editorial Board at THISDAY newspapers and a respected opinion columnist. Week after week, he writes penetrating essays on politics and governance—his latest reflections on Nigerian security and public policy can be found in THISDAY, on his website olusegunadeniyi.com, or on his X (Twitter) handle, . Clearly, his professional foray into politics did not erase his journalistic calling; it only enriched his perspective.

Dr. Reuben Abati provides an even more telling case. He made his name as a journalist and columnist with The Guardian, then crossed over to serve as Presidential Spokesman under Goodluck Jonathan. During those years, it was more precise to describe him as a journalist-turned-PR practitioner. But after leaving government, he returned fully into the fold. Today, he co-hosts the Morning Show on Arise TV alongside Rufai Oseni, writes widely syndicated opinion pieces, and runs his personal news and commentary site, reubenabati.com.ng. His story reminds us that journalism is not just a career you clock in and out of—it is an enduring identity.

I also recall the story of one of my mentees. He earned a degree in Mass Communication and practiced journalism for several years before joining the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) as a broadcast regulator. Even though his role shifted from reporting to regulation, his journalistic foundation remained part of his professional DNA. In fact, his journey through the NBC was enriched by his background in journalism, and he deepened his academic credentials along the way—earning a Master’s and later a Ph.D in Mass Communication. His path shows that while careers evolve, the imprint of journalism remains strong.

Similarly, a close friend of mine followed another fascinating path. With a degree in Mass Communication, he practiced journalism across both broadcast and print media before becoming a Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to a state governor. From there, he moved into academia, managing a university campus radio station, and today he serves as a Director of Public Relations in another university. At every stage of that journey—government PR, academic management, or institutional communications—the skills and instincts of a journalist remained visible.

Another friend took journalism in a completely different direction. After earning a degree in Mass Communication, he practiced journalism for several years before joining the foreign service. There, his communication skills and grounding in media proved invaluable in diplomacy. He eventually rose through the ranks and retired as an ambassador. Although his title and responsibilities changed, the training and instincts of a journalist never left him; they shaped how he represented Nigeria abroad and how he communicated with the world.

What these cases show is that journalism is both a profession and an identity. If you have practiced it for years, it becomes part of who you are. Still, accuracy matters: when someone leaves journalism entirely, it is clearer to describe them as “a former journalist,” or “a journalist by training.”

International best practices support this view. In the United States, bodies like the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) only admit active practitioners, just as the NUJ-UK does in Britain. Yet, in the public eye, once you have built a career in journalism, the title tends to stay with you. Former journalists are often introduced on panels, in books, or in media appearances as journalists—because the imprint of the profession is permanent.

So, back to the question: once a journalist, always a journalist? My answer is this: yes, but with context. Journalism shapes you in ways that endure, even when your business card says something different. And that is why the NUJ’s ongoing debate about who counts as a journalist—especially in the era of blogs, online papers, and citizen reporting—is so important. The lines are blurring, but the heart of journalism remains the same.

In my recent reflections on the role of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the growing army of non-NUJ practitioners in ...

26/09/2025

When the Pulpit Becomes Unfair: A Reflection on Today’s Sermon

Today, I sat through the Friday sermon at Barhin Housing Estate Juma’at Mosque, Katsina, listening with keen interest as the Chief Imam delivered his khutbah. His topic was Loyalty to Leaders Who Are Fair to Their Followers.

It was a timely theme, one that touches both religion and governance. The Imam reminded us that leaders owe justice and fairness to their people, and followers, in return, owe loyalty to leaders who fulfill that trust. So far, so good.

But what caught my attention—and set my mind turning—were the examples he gave of leaders who, according to him, did not deserve loyalty.

The first example he cited was that of Ulamas who converged in Kaduna when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid a visit. He seemed to suggest that their presence was a betrayal of fairness, an act of misplaced loyalty. I could not help but wonder: was it really wrong for Ulamas to go and welcome their president? Is there anywhere in Islam where such an act is forbidden? If not, then should we not be careful about passing such judgments from the pulpit?

His second example was even more striking. Without mentioning names, he spoke of a leader who supposedly flew out of the country and was seen taking selfies with his wife and laughing, even as insecurity raged at home. Everyone in Katsina knew who he meant. But here, too, fairness was lacking.

When that video trended, explanations were offered. It turned out that the clip was old, not taken during the insecurity crisis. Secondly, the person in the video was alone, not with his wife. And thirdly, he wasn’t laughing in the short clip as alleged. In other words, the Imam’s example was based on misinformation—yet it was shared from the mimbar, where words carry enormous weight.

That moment reminded me of a sobering truth: just as leaders can be unfair to their followers, Imams and religious leaders can also be unfair in their commentary about others. When examples given in sermons are inaccurate or misleading, they risk creating unnecessary resentment and division.

Religion teaches us fairness, justice, and truth. And fairness, by its very nature, must be applied across the board—not only to political leaders and their followers, but also to those who stand before the faithful every Friday, guiding hearts and minds.

Perhaps this is a lesson for all of us: before we pass judgment, especially in such sensitive times, we must weigh our words with justice. Because the pulpit, too, must be held accountable to truth.

Today, I sat through the Friday sermon at Barhin Housing Estate Juma’at Mosque, Katsina, listening with keen interest as the Chi...

26/09/2025

Radda, Babba Kaita and the Meaning of Transparency

During the 2023 gubernatorial campaign, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda made a bold pledge: “za mu faɗi abin da muka samu da abin da muka kashe da abin da muka rage.” He promised that as governor, he would tell Katsina people every month what the state received, how it was spent, and what balance remained. It was a statement that resonated strongly with voters.

Fast forward to today, that campaign video has resurfaced. The Governor himself recently admitted that he has realized it is not practical for him personally to come out every month to read out figures. That admission gave the opposition fresh ammunition. Senator Ahmed Babba Kaita of the ADC was quick to pounce, accusing Radda of simply being unwilling to be transparent and accountable.

But here is where the story needs clarity. Transparency in government is not about one man standing every month to recite accounts like a cashier at the market. It is about creating systems that ensure the people know what comes in and what goes out. And in Katsina, such systems are not only in place but working every single day.

Every month, FAAC allocations to states and local governments are published nationally for all to see. Katsina State builds on this by issuing regular press releases through the Chief Press Secretary, announcing project approvals and expenditures. After every Executive Council meeting, the Information Commissioner and other commissioners brief the press on the decisions taken, including costs and funding. At the end of every month, the Deputy Governor himself steps forward to brief the press on government expenditures. Beyond that, quarterly budget performance reports reconcile what was projected with what was actually received—including internally generated revenue, loans, and grants. These are not hidden documents; they are part of the government’s open reporting.

The figures themselves tell the story. Earlier this year, the government disclosed that ₦3.8 billion had been spent on solar mini-grids for General Hospital Katsina, the Government House, and the State Secretariat Complex, along with nearly 85 kilometres of solar-powered street lights across the metropolis. In another briefing, the Deputy Governor explained that ₦5.8 billion had gone into dams and water schemes, covering the completion of Danja Dam, rehabilitation of Yashe Dam, and upgrade of Musawa’s water supply. The State Executive Council also approved ₦23.8 billion for projects ranging from the ₦18.5 billion Rafin Iya–Tashar Bawa–Sabua road, to ₦1.3 billion for upgrading Mai’adua’s health centre into a General Hospital, to ₦747.3 million for a Security Consultative Centre. On the social side, ₦1.9 billion was released to clear scholarship arrears for over 136,000 Katsina students, while ₦13.4 billion went into upgrading 146 Primary Health Centres across the 34 local governments.

These are not whispers in government corridors; they are official disclosures, announced in press briefings, carried in newspapers, and available for any citizen who cares to know.

So, yes, the Governor did step back from the literal format of his campaign pledge. But does that mean transparency is absent? On the contrary, Katsina has arguably institutionalized it. The real test is not whether one man appears every month to read figures, but whether the people can see where their money comes from and where it goes. By that measure, the promise has been kept in spirit, and it is being fulfilled continuously.

Senator Babba Kaita may hold on to the literal interpretation of Radda’s words, but governance is not theatre. It is about systems that endure beyond one individual. And in Katsina today, those systems are speaking loud enough.

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda During the 2023 gubernatorial campaign, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda made a bold ple...

25/09/2025

Who Really Qualifies as a Journalist?

This is a question that has been troubling me for some time: who, exactly, is a journalist? With social media blurring boundaries and everyone with a smartphone now a potential “reporter,” the definition of journalism and journalists has become hazy.

At its heart, journalism is about gathering, verifying, and disseminating information to the public — guided by truth, balance, and responsibility. A journalist, therefore, is someone who does this consistently and with accountability. Titles matter less; what matters is the practice.

Take Malam Adamu Adamu. Long before his ministerial appointment, he was a respected columnist whose sharp pen dissected national issues. He may not have always “broken” news, but by publishing regularly in platforms like Daily Trust and Leadership, he was very much a journalist.

Or consider academics like Professor Abdallah Uba Adamu. As a lecturer and scholar of mass communication, he has shaped generations of journalists. On his own, that role does not make him a journalist in the strict sense — unless he steps into the public arena through published reports, columns, or media content which, I think, he does.

Then there are hybrid figures like Professor Farooq Kperogi, who lectures in journalism but also writes widely read weekly columns in Daily Trust, Tribune and online. He is both a scholar and a practicing journalist, showing that the two hats can be worn together.

This brings me to the question of platforms. Some argue that only print or broadcast houses count as “recognized media outlets.” I disagree. In today’s world, credible online newspapers and even blogs — when run responsibly and transparently — qualify as legitimate media. Premium Times, The Cable, HumAngle, and even individual blogs that uphold ethics are as recognized as any newsroom. What matters is not the medium but the method.

I know this from personal experience. At KTTV, I began as a broadcaster hosting current affairs programmes, before embracing news reporting and editing. That path qualified me for NUJ membership. Later, at the National Broadcasting Commission, I was Chief Public Affairs Officer, where many assumed I had left journalism. But my unit produced a quarterly news magazine — we researched, wrote, and edited news reports. That was journalism, no less.

In 2011, I extended this practice into the digital space, starting a blog as a hobby. About three years ago, I registered it formally, making it a recognized online media outlet. That experience convinced me that journalism is not defined by the building you work in, but by the standards you bring to your craft.

For me, this journey — from broadcasting, to journalism, to public affairs, to blogging — shows that journalism is fluid, but its essence is constant: the pursuit of truth, fairness, and accountability.

And this is where the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) must reflect. The media ecosystem has changed. There is now an entire army of credible online journalists and bloggers who do not fit neatly into the old categories. If the union remains rigid, it risks irrelevance in a fast-evolving information landscape. Perhaps it is time to amend the NUJ Constitution to create pathways for ethical online practitioners to be admitted.

Because if the NUJ does not open its doors, others will. Already, associations like the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), and even international groups like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) are giving recognition and support to journalists, regardless of whether they work for traditional or digital outlets.

International best practices point in the same direction. In the United States, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) accepts digital reporters, freelancers, and bloggers, provided they follow ethical codes. In the UK, the National Union of Journalists (NUJ-UK) recognizes full-time journalists, freelancers, and online writers alike. Across Europe, journalism associations have broadened their membership rules to keep up with the reality of digital-first reporting.

If Nigeria’s NUJ fails to do the same, it risks shrinking into a guild of only “traditional” media while the digital generation finds legitimacy elsewhere. Journalism will continue, with or without NUJ. The only question is whether NUJ wants to remain the umbrella for all journalists — or just some of them.

So, when next we ask, “who is a journalist?” we should remember: it is not the title, nor the platform, nor even the institution. It is the consistent practice of journalism itself.

This is a question that has been troubling me for some time: who, exactly, is a journalist? With social media blurring boundarie...

25/09/2025

Ghost Workers Busted: Katsina to Save ₦453m Monthly After Biometric Audit

Katsina State has uncovered a massive payroll fraud, with thousands of ghost workers and fraudulent staff draining local government funds. A new biometric screening exercise has now projected ₦453.3 million in monthly savings for the state.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda received the bombshell report on Thursday, declaring that the reforms will free Katsina from “the grip of a few” who have long hijacked council payrolls.

The 10-member screening committee examined 50,172 workers across the 34 Local Government Councils (LGCs) and Local Education Authorities (LEAs). Only 46,380 were genuine.

The rest — 3,488 staff — were caught with fake certificates, falsified birth dates, absenteeism, double salaries, and even cases of “job subletting.”

The committee also forced the recovery of ₦4.6 million from officers who drew salaries from multiple agencies or stayed on the payroll while on leave.

In one of the most damning discoveries, the Education Secretary of Zango LEA was accused of creating 24 ghost workers with collaborators — a scandal the Governor described as “a serious breach of trust and abuse of office.”

Governor Radda admitted he was warned that the screening could “damage his politics” and cost him elections.

“I was not worried. Katsina needs reforms, and this is the right thing to do,” he said.

He revealed that local councils already have ₦500 million saved, which will rise to ₦5.7 billion when the committee’s recommendations are implemented.

Beyond exposing fraud, the exercise also produced Katsina’s first unified digital database for all LGC and LEA workers — a tool the Governor says will help keep the system clean going forward.

With councils like Kafur, Malumfashi, and Daura struggling to pay inflated wage bills, the Governor said savings from the purge will now be redirected to grassroots development.

“This is how we can have money to work for the general people in our local governments,” Radda declared.

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda Katsina State has uncovered a massive payroll fraud, with thousands of ghost wo...

24/09/2025

KTRTV Board Meets, Eyes Digital Future Amid Challenges

The Katsina State Radio and Television Service (KTRTV) Board held its third meeting on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the KTTV headquarters. It was a session full of reflections, updates, and optimism about the future of broadcasting in Katsina.

Board Chairman, Malam Ahmed Abdulkadir, opened the meeting by congratulating the people of Katsina State on the 38th anniversary of the State’s creation. He also extended warm prayers for Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, wishing him success in leading the State forward.

On the progress front, the Chairman highlighted the completed fencing work at Katsina Radio and in-house staff training at KTTV. He was particularly excited about the State Government’s green light for KTTV’s digitization, describing it as a big leap that will boost programme quality and extend the station’s reach.

But the meeting wasn’t just about celebrations—it also brought the realities of daily challenges. The GM of Katsina Radio lamented the struggle with electricity supply, pointing out that the high cost of diesel makes long transmissions nearly impossible.

Meanwhile, KTTV shared some exciting updates. A new ICT unit has been set up to handle social media and digital content. The station has also created a YouTube channel, is working on podcasts, and is building a website. On the infrastructure side, Daura and Funtua sub-stations have been renovated and are set to deploy staff soon, although the Dabawa sub-station remains out of reach due to insecurity. For now, viewers can catch KTTV on StarTimes and NIGCOMSAT.

Wrapping up, Malam Abdulkadir encouraged unity and focus, reminding everyone of the bigger picture: keeping KTRTV at the forefront of broadcasting excellence in Katsina and beyond.

KTRTV Board Chairman, Malam Ahmed Abdulkadir The Katsina State Radio and Television Service (KTRTV) Board held its third meetin...

22/09/2025

Katsina Charts New Course for Almajiri and Islamiyya Education with Stakeholders’ Summit

In a bold move to reshape the future of Islamic and modern education in Katsina State, Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda convened a high-level stakeholders’ engagement on Monday, September 22, 2025.

The one-day summit, held at the Local Government Service Commission Conference Hall, brought together a diverse coalition of scholars, educators, civil society leaders, and policymakers to address long-standing challenges in the Almajiri and Islamiyya education systems.

Governor Radda, in his keynote address, declared the reform of Almajiri and Islamiyya education a top priority for his administration. With over 90% of the state’s population practicing Islam, he emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between government and religious scholars to ensure meaningful change.

Central to the governor’s vision is the establishment of three Tsangaya Model Schools, the first of which will be commissioned before the year ends. These institutions will blend Qur’anic memorization with modern subjects such as English, Mathematics, and vocational training—catering to both boys and girls.

In a landmark policy announcement, Governor Radda revealed that any citizen of Katsina who memorizes the Holy Qur’an and meets academic criteria will be eligible for full government sponsorship to study professional courses like Medicine (MBBS) and Nursing. These students will also receive recognized certificates and training in modern skills to enhance their career prospects.

The governor highlighted several initiatives already underway, including the creation of the Zakkat and Waqf Commission, the Hisbah Board, and the appointment of a Special Adviser on Tsangaya and Out-of-School Children. He also mentioned ongoing improvements to key cemeteries as part of efforts to strengthen Islamic values and community life.

Governor Radda called on Mallams and educators across the North-West to support the reforms, stressing that community involvement is essential to solving the Almajiri challenge.

Prof. Umar Alkali delivered a compelling lead paper titled “Almajiri System of Education in Katsina State: Why Previous Reforms Failed,” citing weak community ownership, poor teacher welfare, and fragmented coordination as key issues. He referenced CPIMS data from April 2022, which recorded over 314,000 out-of-school children in Katsina, including 140,495 Almajiri learners.

Prof. Alkali recommended a community-based model focused on family care, child protection, teacher training, and multilingual learning kits.

Meanwhile, Prof. Saifullahi Sani Matazu, the Statistician-General of Katsina State, stressed the importance of accurate data and outlined three pillars for successful reform: robust data collection, lessons from past models, and deeper collaboration between Ulamas, government, and civil society.

UNICEF’s Kano Field Office representative, Mr. Rahmah, praised the governor’s initiative and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Qur’anic and Islamiyya education in Katsina. The organization has been a partner in this space for over five years.

The summit featured prominent voices including Prof. Isah Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Malam Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, Prof. Muhammad Mansir Sokoto, Sheikh Jabir Sani Maihula, and a representative of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi—all pledging their support for the reforms.

Civil society leaders, led by Malam Bishir Usman Ruwan-Godiya, called for harmonization of Tahfizul schools, while ALGON Vice Chairman Alhaji Rabo Tambaya pledged local government support and commended the establishment of the Hisbah Board.

The event drew a host of dignitaries, including Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura and Chief Judge Hon. Justice Musa Danladi. Key education officials such as SUBEB Chairman, Dr. Kabir Magaji and Commissioner Hajiya Zainab Musa Musawa were also present, alongside Tsangaya leaders, Ulamas, and development partners.

As Katsina embarks on this transformative journey, the resounding message from the summit was clear: reforming Almajiri and Islamiyya education is not just a policy goal—it’s a moral imperative to uplift children, preserve cultural values, and prepare the next generation for a brighter future.

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda In a bold move to reshape the future of Islamic and modern education in Katsina...

21/09/2025

From Honor to Humiliation: Why Rarara’s Fake Doctorate Saga Deserves a Serious Response

When the news broke that Dauda Kahutu Rarara had been awarded an honorary doctorate by the so-called European-American University, it seemed like a major milestone in his career. But the story quickly unraveled. Within days, the same institution reportedly denied any involvement, claiming it had never formally conferred such a degree. What began as a moment of pride soon turned into widespread ridicule.

Critics wasted no time in mocking him, with many drawing sharp contrasts between Rarara and the late Mamman Shata. Shata’s recognition, they reminded the public, was rooted in decades of cultural and political contributions, with thousands of songs spanning themes as diverse as agriculture, commerce, bravery, and political education. In contrast, Rarara was portrayed as a one-dimensional artist who tied his reputation to songs about political figures, and now, as someone gullible enough to embrace a fake degree from a questionable institution.

Yet, beyond the satire and derision, the incident raises serious legal and reputational questions. If Rarara genuinely believed the honorary title was legitimate, then the institution’s disavowal of it has not only embarrassed him but also cast lasting doubt on his integrity. In effect, the reversal has left him looking like a willing participant in fraud when he may instead have been its victim.

From a legal standpoint, this situation touches on several fronts. The public back-and-forth has injured his reputation in ways that amount to defamation, branding him in the public eye as a man complicit in deception. There is also the possibility of misrepresentation or fraud if those who facilitated the award misled him for publicity or other gains. Even where no money exchanged hands, the institution’s failure to control its processes and later distancing itself amounts to negligence. By allowing the story to circulate before disclaiming it, they exposed Rarara to ridicule that could easily have been avoided.

Pursuing legal action, therefore, is not only about compensation; it is also about dignity. For a musician whose influence rests largely on public perception, defending his name is critical. By challenging the incident in court, Rarara could reframe the narrative from being a man mocked for gullibility to someone who stood up against fraudulent practices. The wider implication of such a move would also shine a light on the growing menace of fake universities and dubious awards that exploit unsuspecting celebrities and professionals across Nigeria and beyond.

But while the courts may help him reclaim his reputation, this episode also highlights another gap in his career: the absence of professional management. For an artist of his visibility and influence, every public engagement carries weight. A skilled manager would have scrutinized the legitimacy of the award, protecting him from the embarrassment that followed. With the right guidance, Rarara could focus on his art while his team ensured that his engagements, endorsements, and honors consistently enhanced his credibility.

The fake doctorate saga has left Rarara at a crossroads. He can either allow it to define him, or he can use it as a turning point. By seeking legal counsel, he would not only protect his reputation but also send a message that entertainers and cultural figures are not easy targets for ridicule and exploitation. And by surrounding himself with capable management, he would safeguard his future from similar missteps.

At the heart of this issue lies something more important than titles or accolades: the value of a good name. For a cultural figure like Rarara, whose career rests on influence and visibility, preserving that name may well be the most important performance of all.

When the news broke that Dauda Kahutu Rarara had been awarded an honorary doctorate by the so-called European-American Universit...

21/09/2025

Rethinking Professional Belonging for Online Journalists

In recent years, the boundaries of journalism have been stretched by the rise of social media and digital publishing. The effect has been that while the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) continues to operate under the traditional assumptions of who a journalist is, an army of new voices has emerged outside its fold. Many of these are serious practitioners of journalism, but by the dictates of the NUJ constitution, they are not eligible for membership.

A recent article in Manhaja by Ɗanjuma Katsina, publisher of Katsina Times, drew attention to this distinction by classifying two categories of online actors. On one hand is the social media influencer, whose work is largely unregulated, dictated only by the rules of platform owners such as Facebook, X, or TikTok. On the other hand is the online journalist, who deliberately embraces the discipline of journalism — applying its ethics, respect for facts, and professional standards in reporting, analysis, and commentary. The difference lies not in the platform used but in adherence to journalistic principles.

From there, the question of belonging arises. The NUJ constitution currently stipulates that for one to qualify as a member, they must hold at least a Higher National Diploma or a degree in journalism/mass communication or have a minimum of fifteen years of recognized practice in a newsroom. The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), on its part, only admits practitioners who have attained the rank of Editor. Both requirements are quite restrictive and automatically exclude many emerging digital voices who are nonetheless practicing journalism in every sense of the word.

This reality raises important questions for the profession in Nigeria. If NUJ remains rigid, and GOCOP maintains its elite entry threshold, where do the rest of the credible online journalists go? Should they remain classified as “non-NUJ members” despite faithfully practicing journalism? Or is it time to rethink the structures of professional belonging?

My own career has shown me how fluid these boundaries can be. I began at Katsina State Television (KTTV) as a broadcaster, hosting current affairs programmes, phone-ins, political discussions, and personality profiles. Over time, I crossed into journalism proper, taking on news reporting, editing, and other newsroom responsibilities. That was my entry into NUJ. Later, when I transferred my service to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), my path changed again. I started out as Chief Public Affairs Officer, serving as the Commission’s image maker — a clear shift into the world of public relations. At that stage, I joined the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and became an Associate Member (ANIPR). Eventually, I transitioned yet again into broadcast regulation.

Along the way, I also tested the waters of digital journalism. In 2011, I started a news blog as a hobby. What began informally has since grown into a registered platform — formalized about three years ago. That journey opened my eyes to the power and reach of online journalism, and the many serious practitioners who operate outside NUJ membership. In all of this, I discovered that journalism, public relations, and communication are not fixed boxes but overlapping professions where skills and ethics matter more than labels.

International experience offers some lessons. In the United States, the Online News Association (ONA) has become a leading platform for digital journalists, welcoming freelancers, podcasters, and bloggers who demonstrate commitment to journalistic ethics. The UK’s National Union of Journalists has also broadened its membership to include digital reporters, regardless of whether they came through traditional newsroom pathways. In Kenya, the Media Council accredits bloggers and online journalists, provided they abide by codes of ethics. The unifying thread in all these examples is that membership is anchored on adherence to professional standards, not merely on educational certificates or years of service.

It is therefore worth advising that the NUJ consider amending its constitution to reflect this new reality. Online journalism is not a passing phase — it is the present and future of information dissemination. To ignore or exclude it is to risk irrelevance. At the same time, associations like GOCOP must resist the temptation of elitism and open themselves to nurturing younger, upcoming online practitioners who may not yet be editors but are already shaping public opinion with journalistic discipline.

In the end, the point is not to dilute standards but to ensure that standards evolve with the times. Journalism is defined by truth, fairness, and accountability, not by whether it is delivered through a newspaper, a radio studio, or a blog. Professional associations must therefore find ways to accommodate serious online practitioners. Otherwise, we will continue to have a large pool of committed journalists left in the category of “non-NUJ members,” without the protection, solidarity, and professional community that membership affords.

The challenge before the NUJ is to modernize. The challenge before online journalists is to prove, by their work, that they are worthy of recognition. Somewhere in between lies the future of the profession.

In recent years, the boundaries of journalism have been stretched by the rise of social media and digital publishing. The effect...

Ahmed Abdulkadir

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