By Amos Aar
GOVERNOR Hyacinth Alia on Thursday restated his commitment to renovate the Benue of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat and clear the council’s outstanding national dues during the 2025 Press Week public lecture in Makurdi.
The lecture, themed “Strengthening the Media for Credible Reporting and Democratic Accountability,” was held at Nnam Hotels, Makurdi
Represented by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr. Peter Egbodo, the governor commended journalists for their contributions to nation-building and urged them to uphold professionalism and factual reporting. He also announced plans to begin regular accountability briefings at the NUJ Secretariat.
Earlier in his welcome address, NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, described the Press Week as a time for reflection and growth. He appealed to the governor to provide an official car for the chairman’s office, noting that the union’s bus donated by the state government had become overstretched.
He disclosed that he union performed the groundbreaking for 20 lock-up shops at the NUJ Secretariat to boost revenue. Several organisations, including Bauhaus Global Construction Company, supported the project with materials and equipment.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Douglas Pepe, SAN, said the press must remain accountable while safeguarding democracy.
On her part, Chairlady of the occasion, Ambassador Jennifer Gbishe Igoh, urged journalists to focus their reporting on building society.
Also speaking, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, represented by the Benue APC Chairman, Dr. Benjamin Omale, noted the power of the media to shape national unity.
In his presentation, former house of representatives member Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo, Hon. Francis Agbo, urged journalists to take their place as the 4th estate of the realm and encouraged them to uphold the ethics of the profession and conduct thorough research before publication to promote truth and accuracy.
NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, represented by the national trustee, Comrade Nancy Orshi, commended Governor Alia for reviving the Benue NUJ and ensuring timely salary payments to workers.
Highlights of the event were the presentation of awards to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Dr. Timothy Tiza, Okigbe Onojah, and Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, as well as the presentation of certificates of recognition to several journalists, including Comrade Godwin Ikyereve, Bem Ngutyo, Babs Usigbe, Terhemen Ater, Abraham Aondo, Doris Yuwa among others.
A minute of silence was observed in honour of late veteran journalist Dan Agbese and other departed colleagues.
