The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Council, has expressed concern over the increasing rate of impersonation by content creators posing as professional journalists, describing the trend as damaging to the image of the journalism profession in the state.
The State Chairman of NUJ, Dr Abu Ahmodu, raised the concern in an interview with reporters in Minna, noting that the situation was becoming worrisome and required urgent attention.
Dr. Nmodu disclosed that the union would soon commence a special training programme for journalists on digital media usage in the state capital to strengthen professional capacity and ensure practitioners remain relevant in the evolving media landscape.
He warned that individuals impersonating journalists would be identified and handed over to security agencies for appropriate action.
According to him, the growing influence of technology in the media space has made it necessary for journalists to adapt to modern trends and enhance their digital skills.
The NUJ chairman explained that the training would equip journalists with updated digital and media knowledge, enabling them to clearly distinguish themselves from untrained content creators and maintain professional standards.
Dr. Nmodu reaffirmed the union’s readiness to tackle the challenge of impersonation not only in Niger State but also across Nigeria and Africa.
He urged journalists in the state to embrace digital media skills, noting that the union had concluded plans to organize capacity-building programmes to help members remain competitive in the modern media environment.
Dr. Nmodu also expressed satisfaction that trained journalists in the state are already operating in the online media space, contributing professionally to digital journalism.
He, however, noted the presence of many online media practitioners who have not undergone formal journalism training.
He said the planned training and proper documentation by the union would help the public distinguish between trained journalists and unqualified practitioners.
The NUJ chairman further called on all professional journalists in the state to strictly adhere to the ethical code of the profession, particularly as political activities and campaigns ahead of future elections begin to gather momentum.
