By Abdullahi M. Gulloma and Bode Olagoke Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Mr. Abdulwaheed Odusile of the Nation Newspapers on his election as the new president of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari said with his worthy credentials, long experience and antecedents as a highly respected and reputable professional, Odusile could be expected to discharge his responsibility of leading the NUJ to greater heights of accomplishment with distinction.
The President assured the new NUJ president and the newly elected executive officers of the union of the fullest support and cooperation of the federal government as they move to reposition and revitalise the journalism profession in Nigeria for present and future challenges, including the revolutionary impact of new technologies on communications and information dissemination.
“The President looks forward to working in a harmonious partnership with Mr. Odusile, the new NUJ executive and media practitioners in Nigeria as the Federal Government strives to end the scourge of Boko Haram, improve national security, rebuild and expand national infrastructure, accelerate the pace of economic development across the country and create more employment opportunities for Nigerian youth.
Similarly, former Vice President and chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar, also congratulated Odusile.
In a statement released yesterday in Abuja by his Media Office, Atiku said the time of the emergence of Odusile to lead the NUJ was significant and momentous in view of the mandate by Nigerians to President Muhammadu Buhari to enthrone change in the way they were being governed.
The former Vice President urged him to endeavour to key into the desire of the people of Nigeria for change and good governance and lead the body of journalists to support the anti- corruption campaign of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
Stressing that Nigerians needed probity and transparency in public life, Atiku opined that the anti-corruption campaign would register tremendous success if the generality of journalists nationwide embrace the campaign and use their profession to further the goals of the government in this regard.