By Fadhlillah Abdallah
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) says it will commence 2022 Democracy Dividend Tour (Media Tour) on Monday, August 15, 2022.
A statement personally signed by the National President of the union, Chris Isiguzo on Monday, said the tour follows the constitutional demand of the media to hold government and its officials accountable to the people.
According to Isiguzo, “The media tour will assist in deepening democracy as it will afford journalists the opportunity to inspect projects being executed in each state of the Federation, and report accordingly.
“Journalists will also take time off to participate in interactive sessions with governors and their teams. Critical questions that may arise from the Tour will be put forward for answers from the respective Governors.
“The Union expects that journalists will be able to report based on what they find on ground to the people of the respective states and Nigerians at large, to enable citizens form their opinions and take informed decisions.”
The National President explained that “the tour is not a sort of test or examination, but rather an attempt to see how the Union can engage with the various state governments to set an appropriate agenda for development.”
The tour is organised by the NUJ in collaboration with Nigeria’s foremost branding and image service provider, Red Carpet Protacots and will cover the 36 states of the Federation and journalists will be drawn from broadcast, print and online media.