By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State Council of theNigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has raised serious concerns regarding the escalating cost of housing rentals across the state.
In a communiqué issued at the conclusion of its recent congress, the union appealed to landlords, landladies, and property agents to consider the economic challenges being faced by tenants, particularly given the state’s predominantly civil service-driven economy.
The communiqué, endorsed by the drafting committee — comprising Faith Terdoo Igbudu (Chairman), Doris M. Yuwa (Secretary), and Timothy Ihom (Member) — was released following the congress held on Tuesday at the NUJ House in Makurdi. The session was presided over by the State Council Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber.
In addition to addressing housing concerns, the congress strongly denounced the ongoing violent conflicts in various parts of Benue State.
The union urged security agencies and the state government to enhance measures aimed at curbing the violence.
While acknowledging the government’s existing efforts to safeguard lives and property, the NUJ stressed the necessity for more decisive and proactive security strategies.
The congress also extended its condolences to families affected by the unrest.
With the onset of the rainy season, the NUJ called on residents to prioritize environmental sanitation by clearing drainage systems and refraining from indiscriminate waste disposal to mitigate flooding risks.
The union appealed to the Benue State Government to actively engage local journalists in media-related activities.
It expressed concern that, despite their professional competence, resident journalists have not been fully integrated into the state’s media operations nearly two years into the current administration.
In another resolution, the NUJ cautioned social media users against deploying their platforms to disparage leaders and public officials.
The union urged employers of such individuals to enforce responsible conduct, emphasizing the importance of maintaining decorum and mutual respect in public discourse.
Demonstrating internal unity, the congress passed a vote of confidence in the State Working Committee (SWC) led by Comrade Ugber, commending the leadership for its dedication to upholding the union’s principles.
