Journalism Under Threat From Technology, Patron Urges NUJ to Defend Profession
Date: 17 December 2025
By Olusegun HOSEA, Akure
The Life Patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Isaac Kekemeke, has warned that the journalism profession is facing an existential threat from the unchecked rise of technology and unregulated social media, urging journalists to urgently defend their profession with the same zeal displayed by lawyers, engineers and medical doctors.
Speaking at a symposium themed “Innovative Pathways for Journalists Amidst Economic and Political Challenges” in Akure on Tuesday, Kekemeke said the ease with which “everyone now assumes the role of a journalist” has eroded professionalism and weakened the power of the media.
“When everybody becomes a journalist, then the profession itself is under serious threat,” he said. “The unregulated and ill-equipped social media space has become the biggest danger to journalism.”
Kekemeke noted that unless journalists begin to consciously protect their profession, the challenges confronting them would worsen. He argued that journalists have enormous power but fail to deploy it effectively.
“You have plenty of power, but you play with your power. If you play with your power, every other person will play with it,” he said.
Drawing parallels with other professions, Kekemeke said lawyers, engineers and medical doctors jealously guard their professional identity and standards, insisting that journalism must do the same.
“As a lawyer, I will never call a non-lawyer a lawyer. Engineers are now saying if you don’t have a current certificate, you are not an engineer. Doctors will never accept that a nurse or pharmacist is a doctor. Journalism should not be different,” he said.
He described journalism as a serious profession central to national development, stressing that journalists serve as the bridge between government and the people.
“You are opinion leaders. You carry government. You take government policies to the people and bring feedback from the people to government. That is a very important role,” he said.
However, he criticized journalists for allowing themselves to be undervalued, noting that many willingly give their services “for very little,” which he described as one of the profession’s biggest challenges.
Kekemeke urged journalists to use their professional influence strategically, including withholding coverage from public officials who do not support the NUJ.
“If people in government or positions of authority do nothing for NUJ, you black them out. No promotion of their activities, no news. Use your weapon as journalists,” he said.
He dismissed fears of being accused of blackmail, insisting that every profession uses its tools to protect its interests.
“If they call it blackmail, let it be so. Everybody uses whatever he has to achieve what he wants,” he added.
The NUJ patron also called on the Minister of Interior to intervene in issues affecting journalists, referencing a jointly signed letter by himself, the NUJ President and Secretary. He expressed confidence that the minister would act on the request.
While commending the state governor for efforts in security and infrastructure, Kekemeke revealed plans for the construction of a permanent NUJ secretariat ahead of the union’s 50th anniversary.
He disclosed that a strategic parcel of land had already been secured and formally sealed in the name of NUJ to prevent encroachment, adding that discussions were ongoing with the governor to build and name the structure after him.
“We want that house built before NUJ is 50. That land is too strategic, and I ensured it was secured in NUJ’s name,” he said.
Kekemeke encouraged journalists to be less “beggarly” and more creative in running their union and securing resources, praising the current NUJ leadership as hardworking and patriotic.
He also urged journalists to take their professional events seriously, noting how lawyers shut courts during their annual week and how soldiers observe remembrance activities with discipline.
“You must defend your profession. Nobody will make you the fourth estate of the realm except you make it so,” he said.
He concluded by appealing to the government to support the NUJ with basic logistics, noting that providing a utility vehicle to the union was not too much to ask.
“I am happy to be part of your celebration, your progress and even your challenges, so that together we can overcome them,” Kekemeke said.
