UAJ, NUJ, Tasks Young African Journalists on Promoting Accountability, Unity

By Sunday Ehigiator in Cairo

The President of the Union of African Journalists (UAJ), Mr Mahfouz Al-Ansari, alongside the National President of, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Christopher Isiguzo have charged young Journalists in the continent to endeavour to always promote accountability and unity, while reporting in their respective countries

Isiguzo, who doubles as the President of the Congress of African Journalists gave the charge at the opening ceremony of the 58th African Journalists Training Session organised by the Union of African Journalists (UAJ) in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Media Regulation held in Cairo, Egypt.

According to him, Journalists in the Continent of Africa must not relent in the effort as their roles are crucial in changing the narrative of the perception of Africa by other continents.

He states “Your role as journalists is crucial in shaping narratives, promoting accountability, and fostering unity across our diverse continent.”

The NUJ President urged the participants to use the opportunity of the training to equip themselves with the needed skills and knowledge to enhance their proficiency in the task of accurate and balanced reportage.

“To the participants gathered here today, I encourage you to seize this opportunity fully. Engage with your peers, absorb the knowledge our esteemed trainers share, and return to your respective countries equipped to drive positive change through your reporting.

“Let us use this occasion not only to enhance our professional skills but also to forge lasting connections that transcend borders and strengthen the fabric of African journalism. Together, we have the power to elevate our profession and amplify the voices of our communities.”

He applauded the unwavering efforts of the UAJ in providing platforms for capacity building and networking, pointing out that such training programs will empower journalists to uphold ethical standards, pursue excellence, and contribute meaningfully to our collective discourse.

“As President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), I commend the efforts of the UAJ in providing this platform for capacity building and networking. Training programs like this empower journalists to uphold ethical standards, pursue excellence, and contribute meaningfully to our collective discourse.

“I thank the organizers for their generous offer to cover all logistical arrangements, ensuring that our participants can focus entirely on their learning experience. This commitment to supporting emerging journalists reflects the dedication of the UAJ and its partners to fostering a vibrant and informed media landscape in Africa.”

Earlier while addressing participants at the opening ceremony, the President of the Union of African Journalists, Mahfouz Al-Ansari revealed that the UAJ has successfully trained about 2000 journalists across Africa, “in these courses, which has contributed to strengthening the professional capabilities of journalists from all countries of our African continent.

“I also salute the presence of the leaders of Egyptian and African media work, and the members of media institutions from Egypt. As you all know

“One of the most important goals of our training courses is to create these links between journalists from different African countries and between them and Egyptian journalists, which enhances understanding and mutual awareness of the issues of our continent, what our continent is going through, and the political, economic, and development challenges we are facing.

“There is no doubt that our training courses allow the exchange of opinions and listening to the ideas of many experts and specialists who contribute with their ideas to clarifying the regional, African and international scene, and to present an in-depth understanding of all the issues raised on the African, regional and international scene, especially at this very complex and sensitive time which puts pressure on our countries and threatens the paths of development.

“The training session will be an opportunity to exchange experiences between our countries through the transfer of knowledge and communication with the most experienced trainers in the field of journalism, media and political work, etc., and the field visits included in the course program.”