The Benue State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended the state government for securing a ₦100 billion infrastructure development loan, describing it as a bold step towards revitalising critical sectors of the state’s economy.
The commendation was contained in a communiqué issued on Wednesday in Makurdi, signed by Mr. Japheth Kwaghhom, Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, and Mr. Charles Paku, Secretary.
According to the communiqué, the union noted that the loan facility—recently approved by the Benue State House of Assembly—has the potential to transform key sectors and boost socio-economic development across the state.
The NUJ, however, urged the government to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilisation of the funds to guarantee that all projects financed through the facility achieve their intended purposes.
The union also praised the ban on customised textbooks in public schools, describing the policy as a move that would help maintain educational standards.
It further commended the recruitment exercise by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) but called on its Chairperson, Dr. Grace Adagba, to clarify issues regarding the payment of only one month’s salary to the new recruits.
The communiqué also appealed to the Teaching Service Board (TSB) to speed up the recruitment of qualified teachers to fill existing vacancies in secondary schools across the state.
Expressing concern over the rising wave of criminal activities in Makurdi and other parts of Benue, the union called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and enhance the protection of lives and property.
It also applauded the government for the ongoing construction of the Media Village at Achusa, describing it as a landmark project that would strengthen journalism practice in the state.
The union appealed for the creation of additional housing layouts and plot allocations to journalists as part of efforts to improve their welfare.
Additionally, the NUJ drew attention to the deplorable condition of the General Hospital, North Bank, Makurdi, and called for urgent rehabilitation and similar interventions in other public health facilities.
Kwaghhom expressed appreciation to Dr. Stephen Hwande, Chief Medical Director of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), for organising a medical outreach for union members and inviting them to the Benue Health Summit scheduled for Oct. 16–17.
The congress also passed a vote of confidence on the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, and the State Working Committee for their inclusive leadership and ongoing efforts to sanitise the journalism profession through screening and verification of practitioners.
The communiqué further commended the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Peter Egbodo, for his maiden visit to the union and his commitment to promoting press freedom and professional collaboration across the state.
