As the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) marks its 70th anniversary, a grand national celebration is set to take place on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, bringing together Nigeria’s top political, media, and labour leaders under the theme: “Redefining Media Practice in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”
In a statement signed by Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde, Deputy National President of NUJ and Chairman of the Organising Committee, the union described the event as both a commemoration of its historic legacy and a sober reflection on the future of journalism in a rapidly evolving digital world.
“This is a celebration of the NUJ’s 70 years of unwavering commitment to protecting media freedom, advancing professionalism, and defending democracy,” Dr. Oyetunde said.
“But it is also a time to reflect deeply on the disruptive changes in media practice, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence and digital manipulation.”
President Tinubu, Akpabio, Abbas, and Others to Attend
The high-profile guest list includes:
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
- Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio
- Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (Keynote Speaker)
- Governor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom)
- Governor Hope Uzodimma (Imo)
- Governor Douye Diri (Bayelsa)
- Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe)
- Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi)
- Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano)
- Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo)
- Governor Babagana Zulum (Borno)
- Former Governor Yahaya Bello (Kogi)
- Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi
- NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero
- TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo
Also expected are captains of industry, past NUJ presidents and secretaries, national officers of the Union, members of the Central Working Committee and National Executive Council (NEC), and leaders of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), who will be specially honoured.
Highlight: Launch of NUJ @70 Commemorative Book
A major feature of the celebration will be the public unveiling of a landmark book titled “70 Years of the NUJ: From Struggle to Strength”, authored by Mr. Shuabu Lehman, a former National Secretary of the NUJ and a journalist who has spent over three decades advancing the union’s cause.
Reflecting on Seven Decades of Impact
The NUJ @70 celebration aims to showcase the Union’s pivotal role in championing press freedom, holding public office holders accountable, and navigating the increasing complexities of a media landscape being transformed by technology and artificial intelligence.
“This promises to be a defining gathering of stakeholders shaping the future of journalism in Nigeria,” Dr. Oyetunde concluded.