Ekiti NUJ Launches Crackdown on Fake Journalists, Counterfeit Press Stickers

Ekiti NUJ begins crackdown on fake journalists and counterfeit press stickers

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, has commenced an enforcement operation against individuals allegedly posing as journalists and using fake NUJ identification cards and counterfeit press stickers.

The exercise, which began on Tuesday, is aimed at tackling quackery within the journalism profession and preventing members of the public from falling victim to individuals who operate under false professional identities.

The council disclosed this in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Kayode Babatuyi, and Secretary, O’Seun Ogunsakin.

According to the statement, the NUJ Anti-Quackery Committee, headed by Abiodun Olofe, will conduct enforcement patrols across Ekiti State as part of the operation.

The committee is expected to receive support from personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

During the exercise, the team will stop and verify the identification cards and press stickers displayed on vehicles belonging to individuals who claim to be media practitioners.

The NUJ said the verification exercise is intended to identify people using counterfeit professional materials and curb activities capable of undermining the credibility of journalism.

The council also called on legitimate journalists operating in Ekiti State to ensure they carry their valid NUJ identification cards during the enforcement exercise.

It said having proper identification would assist security personnel and members of the anti-quackery committee in distinguishing accredited journalists from impostors and help prevent unnecessary embarrassment for genuine media practitioners.

The Ekiti NUJ Council maintained that the enforcement operation is part of its broader efforts to promote professional standards and protect the reputation of journalism in the state.

The union further stated that it would continue to resist activities capable of bringing the profession into disrepute while working to uphold professional standards among journalists.