News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Benue State Council, has appreciated the state Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for approving a minimum wage of ₦75,000 for Benue State workers and for the payment of the remaining three months of salary arrears.
The Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber of Radio Benue Chapel, gave the appreciation when he led members of the new Executive Committee to pay a courtesy visit to the Chief Press Secretary to the Benue State Governor, Tersoo Kula at his office in the Government House, Makurdi.
The new NUJ Chairman stated that they were visiting the CPS to thank him for his relentless efforts in resolving the leadership dispute that led to a successful election and the swearing-in of a new Executive Committee for the union on the 16th.
The union also pledged its unwavering support to the Alia-led administration by promoting his people-oriented policies and programs.
He expressed the commendation of Benue journalists on the Alia administration’s commitment to transparency, particularly its non-interference in or endorsement of candidates during the recent election conducted by the union in the state.
However, they appealed to the governor to address several pressing issues affecting union members, including implementation of the circular from the national body of the union to ensure that all members working in state government-owned media houses benefit from the wage and hazard allowances; Provision of a new bus for the union.
He also urged the state Governor to assist the union in the renovation of the union’s office (NUJ House), which has become an eyesore and make available stipends for union members and veterans in the state engaged in private practice, to encourage and sustain their publications and businesses.
Responding, the Chief Press Secretary, (CPS), Tersoo Kula, congratulated the new executive Committee of the union, charging them to ensure unity and progress among all.
Kula thanked his colleagues in the Benue Council and promised to forward all their demands to the governor.
He also urged the team to revive the vibrancy for which the union was known, especially in information dissemination just as he encouraged the EXCO to reinstate activities that kept the government accountable, such as the “MDAs Accountability Briefings.”
In her remarks, the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Publicity, and Communications Strategy, Bridget Ikyado Tikyaa, commended the members of the fourth estate for revitalizing the council and supporting the current administration.
She urged the council to address the menace of quackery in the profession to ensure that only qualified journalists are practicing.
She challenged the union to be diligent in its efforts to ensure that all sectors of government are held accountable, as citizens should be kept informed.
Members of the delegation included Comrade Emmanuel Antswen, Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Babs Usigbe of the Pavilion Chapel; and Comrade Paul Madeun, Chairman of NUJ Radio Benue Chapel.
Also present were NAWOJ Chairperson for Benue, Elizabeth Achagh of FRCN Harvest FM Chapel Chairman Ene Injua, SWAN Chairperson Hembadoon Orsar, and NTA Chapel Chairman Grace Ichekpa, among others.
