The Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) of Nigeria has once again etched its name in the annals of labour history with the hosting of the maiden Regional Conference of UNI Global Union’s Media, Entertainment & Arts sector (UNI-MEI), scheduled to hold from June 23 to 24, 2026.

This landmark achievement stands as a testament to the visionary leadership, strategic engagement, and unwavering commitment of the President of RATTAWU, Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu (Magic Fingers) whose administration has consistently elevated the profile of the Union both nationally and internationally.

The emergence of Nigeria as the host of this prestigious regional gathering is not only a vote of confidence in RATTAWU but also a recognition of the remarkable strides made under the leadership of Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu.

Since assuming office, he has championed workers’ welfare, strengthened international partnerships, expanded the union’s influence within the global labour movement, and positioned RATTAWU as a formidable voice in the media, entertainment, theatre, arts, and creative sectors.

The hosting of the maiden UNI-MEI Regional Conference is one of the most significant international achievements recorded during his tenure. It reflects years of purposeful engagement with global labour institutions and a commitment to ensuring that African workers in the media and creative industries occupy their rightful place in international discourse.

UNI-MEI, headquartered in Nyon, Switzerland, is the global sector of UNI Global Union representing workers in the media, entertainment, arts, broadcasting, film, theatre, publishing, and creative industries worldwide. With over 100 Unions and guilds across more than 70 Countries, UNI-MEI serves as a powerful platform for advancing workers’ rights, promoting decent work, protecting freedom of expression, encouraging creativity, and strengthening collective bargaining in rapidly evolving industries.

The significance of this conference cannot be overstated. It offers a unique opportunity for labour leaders, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and media professionals from across the region to deliberate on emerging challenges and opportunities confronting workers in the creative and media sectors. It will also foster collaboration, solidarity, knowledge-sharing, and collective action towards building resilient unions capable of addressing the demands of the modern workplace.

For Nigeria and Africa, the conference provides a strategic platform to showcase the continent’s immense creative potential while advocating for policies that support sustainable growth, fair remuneration, job security, digital transformation, and the protection of workers’ rights within the media and entertainment ecosystem.

The conference will attract an array of distinguished personalities. The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, fnipr will grace the occasion as Special Guest. Also expected is High Chief Tochukwu Emmanuel Ezisi, RFF (Akuyie Yie Yie), a renowned philanthropist, business leader, and advocate for community development, who will serve as Special Guest.
The Chairman of the Occasion is Dr. Ike Neliaku, Fnipr, President and Chairman of the Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), whose wealth of experience in strategic communication and public affairs will undoubtedly enrich the conference.
Courtesy Calls to the NLC and RATTAWU by Regional Delegates will precede the main Conference.

As delegates converge for this historic gathering, the conference will not only strengthen regional cooperation among media and entertainment Unions but also reaffirm RATTAWU’s growing influence within the global labour movement.

Through this landmark accomplishment, RATTAWU has demonstrated that with vision, commitment, and strategic partnerships, Nigerian workers can take their place at the forefront of global labour conversations and contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of work in the creative economy.

Comrade Izang Francis Atsen
National Publicity Secretary
RATTAWU Nigeria