RATTAWU Sec Gen Calls for Improved Media welfare at 7th Quadrennial Congress in Gombe

By Umar Alliyu

The Secretary General Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), Comrade Akpousah A. Akpousah, has called on Nigerian government to prioritize and enhance the welfare of media workers across the country.

Comrade Akpousah made the appeal while addressing participants at the 7th Quadrennial National Delegates Congress of the union, held in Gombe State.

He said the congress was convened to elect new national executives who will lead RATTAWU for the next four years, and stressed the urgent need for better welfare packages for members of the union.

In their goodwill messages, the representatives of the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Baba Zare, and the Bauchi State Commissioner for Information, Shehu Usman Shehu, commended RATTAWU for organizing the congress.

They noted that electing new leadership would reposition the media, arts, and culture workforce, especially in an era of digital transformation and economic resilience.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Mohammed Mahmoud Baba of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, emphasized the importance of adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the media and creative sectors.

He said the integration of digital tools is essential for workforce development and national building in today’s technology-driven world.

Also speaking at the event, outgoing RATTAWU President, Comrade Kabir Garba Tsanni, reflected on the achievements and challenges of his tenure.

Comrade Kabir Garba Tsanni urged the incoming executive council to build on past successes, defend the rights of members, and continue the fight for improved welfare.

He also appealed to delegates to conduct the elections peacefully, noting that unity was key to making RATTAWU stronger.

In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Muhammad Ardo Mijintawa, commended RATTAWU for choosing Gombe to host the historic event.

He noted that it was the first time the union’s national congress was held in the North-East, describing it as a milestone.

The Governor’s representative reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting media and cultural workers, stressing that a revitalized media and arts sector would boost digital innovation and contribute to economic development.

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, in his goodwill message, described the 7th Quadrennial National Delegates Congress as more than a constitutional obligation.

He called it a “sacred opportunity” to reflect, recalibrate, and reignite the spirit of solidarity that has long sustained the labour movement.

Comrade Ajaero reaffirmed the NLC’s collective commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of RATTAWU members and ensuring the union remains strong and united.