By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) says it would commence the 2022 Democracy Dividend Tour (Media Tour) on Monday, August 15, 2022.

A statement signed by the National President of the Union, Chief Chris Isiguzo, on Monday in Abuja, said the tour follows the constitutional demand on the media to hold government and its officials accountable to the people.

He said the tour was being organised by the NUJ, in collaboration with Nigeria’s foremost branding and image service provider, Red Carpet Protacots and would cover the 36 states of the Federation and journalists would be drawn from broadcast, print and online media.

According to the President, the tour was not a test or examination, but rather an attempt to see how the Union could engage with the various state governments to set an appropriate agenda for development.

“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,” he added.