Speakers at NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel Event Highlight Importance of Unity, Advocacy and Better Working Conditions
Journalists have been encouraged to strengthen their welfare by embracing the tools of collective bargaining and unionism. Founder of the Hope Raisers Global Foundation, Amb. Angonimi David-Umeh, gave the charge on Friday at the NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel End-of-Year Party in Abuja, themed “Opportunities for Collective Bargaining and Unionization: The Place of Welfare.”
Umeh stressed that welfare is central to productivity, describing collective bargaining as an organised conversation between workers and employers aimed at promoting fairness and shared progress. She explained that bargaining enables workers to negotiate for better pay, safer working conditions, insurance, leave policies, and career development, while unionism provides the structure that drives such negotiations.
She cited ASUU’s long-running push for improved funding and autonomy in universities, the NLC-led agitation that produced the ₦30,000 minimum wage, and the NMA’s negotiations for hazard allowances and medical insurance as examples of how organised labour has advanced workers’ welfare nationally. According to her, journalists also stand to gain stronger financial security, emotional stability, and professional dignity when they negotiate collectively.
The Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike—represented by her Vice Chairman, Comrade Yahaya Ndambabo—praised the Correspondents’ Chapel for its consistent contribution to national discourse. She said the theme reflects the realities facing journalists and emphasised that unity, coordinated advocacy, and improved welfare systems remain essential to a safe and effective media environment.
In his welcome remarks, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr. Felix Ojo, described the chapel as the largest gathering of journalists in the FCT, bringing together correspondents from the 36 states of the federation. He outlined key engagements held in 2024, including a health and social welfare seminar, a conflict-resolution lecture supported by Still Waters Foundation, and a media workshop on blood safety sponsored by the National Blood Service Agency.
Ojo lamented that despite the critical role journalists play in informing, educating, and defending citizens’ rights, they are often excluded from welfare frameworks and government support syst
ems. He added that the chapel relies heavily on donations and collaborations to execute its programmes, a situation he described as unsustainable.
The event also featured the presentation of Certificates of Commendation and Awards to individuals recognised for their contributions to journalism and public service.
