The Delta State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Churchill Oyowe, has called for the establishment of a regulatory council to strengthen journalism practice and protect the welfare of practitioners in Nigeria.
Call for Professional Development
Oyowe also advocated for continuous professional development for journalists beyond university education, noting that additional training would enhance professionalism in the sector. He made the declaration at a send-off ceremony for Mr. Benson Iziama, Deputy Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on his successful retirement from federal service. The event was organized by the Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the NUJ.
Retirement and Welfare Concerns
Comrade Churchill Oyowe urged journalists to embrace retirement as a period of rest and fulfillment after years of active service. He expressed concern that many journalists continue working beyond retirement age due to inadequate welfare and financial support. “There are professions that have laws guiding their union and their interests are protected by law, but in journalism they work with ethics and not laws,” he said.
According to him, “Retirement is not a death sentence, but a time for joy and settlement, a period to unite with friends and relations to fill the void, while wishing the celebrant the best of his new life and God’s divine protection and provision.”
Remarks from Chapel Chairman
Earlier, the Chairman of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, described retirement as the formal withdrawal of a worker from active service, noting that it represents a natural stage in professional life.
Response from Retiree
In his response, Mr. Benson Iziama expressed deep appreciation to members of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel for organizing the send-off ceremony in his honor. He described the gesture as a demonstration of true comradeship, friendship, and professional solidarity. “The degree of sacrifice, support, presence and availability was unprecedented,” he said.
