The Deputy National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr. Bimbo Abimbola, on Thursday led members of the NUJ @70 Planning Committee on a courtesy visit to the corporate headquarters of Media Trust Group in Abuja.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Abimbola said the union, which was formed in 1955, clocked 70 in March and has lined up activities to commemorate the milestone on June 21 at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

She said: “We came to seek partnership and media coverage for the anniversary. NUJ has come a long way and it is important we celebrate ourselves, honour veterans and recognise institutions that have supported the media.

“The celebration will feature the unveiling of a publication titled ‘The Bleeding Pen’, which documents the history of the union and the struggles of journalists over the years,” she explained.

According to her, the present NUJ leadership under Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, who emerged in November 2024, has prioritised unity, professionalism and welfare of journalists. “We are going digital. Journalists can now register and pay dues on our website. The aim is to have a seamless national register,” she added.

Also speaking at the event, the acting Editor-in-Chief of Daily Trust, Hamza Idris, who represented the Group Chief Executive Officer, Malam Ahmed I. Shekarau, congratulated the union for reaching 70 years.

“NUJ is not an exclusive club. It covers journalists in every newsroom across the country. That’s its strength,” Idris said.

He pledged the organisation’s support for the anniversary, saying, “We will take your letter to the GCEO. I am optimistic he will endorse it. We’re all journalists and this is our collective story.”

 The both parties pledged continued collaboration to promote press freedom and professional excellence in the media.