MY MANIFESTO
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Warri Correspondents’ Chapel
“Journalists’ Welfare Is Non-Negotiable”
Fellow colleagues, We tell the stories of others. We expose injustice.
We demand accountability. But today, many journalists cannot confidently demand accountability for themselves.
Too many of us face: Months of unpaid salaries, Poor remuneration in private and state-owned media houses, No health insurance, No life insurance despite high-risk assignments, Harassment and intimidation, Job insecurity and casualization.
This is not dignity. This is not justice. And it must end.
I am contesting for Chairmanship because NUJ must return to its primary purpose — protecting the welfare and rights of journalists.
Immediate Welfare Protection Framework Under my leadership
*** We will establish a Journalists’ Emergency Welfare Fund with clear access guidelines.
Zero Tolerance for Intimidation & Harassment
We will:
*** Activate a rapid legal response team for detained or harassed members.
*** Strengthen partnerships with civil society and media freedom groups.
*** Demand accountability from authorities when journalists are assaulted.
*** Provide safety and digital security training.
*** An attack on one journalist must trigger the response of the entire union.
Transparency in Union Leadership
Members must trust their union.
If elected:
*** Financial reports will be published at every Congress.
*** Welfare disbursements will follow clear, documented procedures.
*** Major decisions will involve consultation with chapel Leaders.
*** Leadership will be accessible, not distant.
*** This union belongs to its members — not to a few individuals.
Professional Growth = Better Welfare
True welfare also means economic empowerment.
We will:
*** Organize regular capacity-building workshops in digital journalism and multimedia reporting.
*** Support freelance and independent journalists who often lack protection.
*** Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship within the media space.
A stronger journalist is harder to exploit.
Unity, Not Division
Division weakens negotiation power.
We will strengthen unity across:
*State-owned media
*Private media organizations
*Online and digital platforms
*Veteran and young journalists
When Warri NUJ speaks with one voice, authorities will listen.
My Commitment
If elected Chairman:
*** Welfare will come first.
*** Transparency will be standard.
*** Silence in the face of injustice will end.
*** This campaign is not about power.
*** It is about restoring dignity to journalism.
*** We deserve to report the truth without living in hardship.
*** We deserve security while serving the public.
*** We deserve a union that fights boldly and strategically.
Let Us Reclaim Our Strength
Vote for Welfare. Vote for Accountability. Vote for Action.
VOTE OKAKURO AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE AS CHAIRMAN, NUJ WARRI CORRESPONDENTS’ CHAPEL
