THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ), EBONYI STATE COUNCIL.A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF STATE CONGRESS HELD ON THURSDAY, 25TH JANUARY, 2024 AT DR SAM PRESS CENTRE, ABAKALIKI.
The Congress which was well attended by members, including veterans in journalism practice in the State, was presided over by the State chairman of the Council, Comrade Samson Nwafor.
Deliberations were very fruitful as members contributed passionately to all issues raised at the Congress. Emanating from the proceedings, the Congress resolved as follows:1. Congress congratulates the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt Hon Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru on the recent Supreme Court judgement which nailed all litigations to his favour.
Congress expresses optimism that the ultimate victory would further spur the Governor to continue to advance in his already started excellent and all-inclusive governance which has touched lives in diverse positive ways in line with his People’s Charter of Needs agenda. Congress particularly appreciates the Governor for his positive disposition towards workers in the State and enumerated payment of backlog of gratuities, N100,000(One hundred thousand naira) Christmas bonus to workers, and other interventions in Health, Education and civil service sector as some of the landmark achievements of the Governor.
Congress assures of their continued support and solidarity to the Governor and his administration.2. Congress appreciates the Governor of Ebonyi state, Right Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for recently appointing immediate past Chairman of the Council, Comrade Anthony Nwizi as the new Director-General of Ebonyi state Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC), the only radio and television outfit of the state government.
Congress describes Nwizi’s appointment as a well thought-out action of the governor which would surely reposition the media outfit for greater impact. Congress congratulates Nwizi for the appointment, and describes him as a man who has the full knowledge of the needs and aspirations of the media organisation, having been around as its staff for many years.
Congress expresses optimism that Nwizi would bring his wealth of knowledge and experience to bear in taking the station to greater heights and pledges its unalloyed support to Nwizi who members described as their own.3. Congress congratulates the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief (Dr.) Chris Isiguzo, MFR, on his nomination as one of the 79 distinguished Nigerians to be honoured by the Government and people of Kogi State.
Congress describes his nomination for this prestigious award as well-deserved. Congress notes that Comrade Isiguzor is a detribalised Nigerian whose positive impact in the nation building deserves an accolades from all and sundry.
3. Congress commends members for living up to their professional calling and charges them to sustain the tempo as we begin a new year.4. Congress deliberated on the issue of quakery in the profession and laments its alarming increase in the State.
It therefore directs Chapels to do a comprehensive profiling of their qualified members and submit same to the Council within two weeks from the date of the Congress.5. Congress also directs members who wish to renew their identity cards to submit their particulars, and thereafter make payment to the Council’s Account within two weeks from the date of the Congress.6. Congress further directs the leadership of Chapels whose tenures have expired to immediately notify the Council in writing for necessary action. Failure to do so will attract sanctions to the affected Chapels.7. Congress deliberated on members of some chapels who enjoy benefits from NUJ while they remit check-off dues to other bodies. Congress frowns at that and directs such chapels, including EBBC Radio and TV, Patriot Newspaper and Information Chapels; NTA and Radio Nigeria, among others, to immediately convene Chapel meetings and resolve the issue of non- remittance of Check-off dues to the Council before the next Congress.8. Congress recognized and congratulated the new Acting General Manager of Ebonyi State Newspapers and Publishing Corporation, publishers of Nigerian Patriot Newspapers, Mr Enwo Nnachi, who was present at the Congress, and wished him well in his new position.9. Congress commends the leadership of the Council led by Comrade Samson Nwafor, for their leadership ingenuity in running the affairs of the Council.
Communique Committee
Comrade Oswald Agwu
Comrade Ndubuisi Nwogha
Comrade Jane Obinna
Comrade Nnamdi Akpa,
Secretary, NUJ, Ebonyi State Council.