Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
The Ebonyi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended the scholarship scheme initiated by the government led by Governor Francis Nwifuru, which supports 204 Ebonyi youths for postgraduate studies abroad and 541 others for postgraduate programs within Nigeria.
The journalists regard this scholarship scheme as a commendable initiative that will significantly contribute to the overall growth and development of Ebonyi State.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the Union’s Congress held at Dr. Sam Egwu Press Centre in Abakaliki on Wednesday, and signed by the Council’s Chairman, Comrade Nwafor Samson, and Secretary, Nnamdi Akpa, the council also praised the state government for reviving the state’s pipe production factory. They described this move as a significant step towards the industrialization of the state but urged the government to consider privatizing the factory for optimal efficiency.
While commending the urban renewal initiatives undertaken by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s administration, the Union urged the government to open more streets within the capital city.
The communiqué stated: “Congress commended the human capital development drive of the Ebonyi State Government under His Excellency, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, which has facilitated scholarships for 204 Ebonyi youths to pursue postgraduate studies abroad and enabled 541 others to benefit from similar programs within the country. This scholarship scheme is seen as a laudable initiative that will promote the overall growth and development of Ebonyi State.”
The Congress also acknowledged the construction of new roads and the rehabilitation of existing ones in Abakaliki. They urged the government to maintain this momentum and further enhance the capital city by constructing more streets.
Additionally, the Union praised the state government for reviving the state’s pipe production factory, calling it a bold step toward the industrialization of the state. They suggested that the government consider a public-private partnership to manage the factory, stating that the government is not typically an effective manager of businesses.
The Union expressed concern over the rising number of road accidents involving tankers and called on the state government, along with relevant authorities, to implement measures to prevent such disasters.
Furthermore, they decried the high cost of living in the state and urged the government to regulate the activities of traders, tricyclists, motorcycle riders, landlords, and house agents, who they identified as contributing factors to this challenging situation.
The communiqué noted: “Congress expressed serious concern over the numerous road mishaps involving tankers carrying flammable products across the country, leading to explosions and the loss of many lives. We call on the Ebonyi State government and other relevant agencies to work together and implement urgent measures to protect the state, including possibly banning the daytime movement of vehicles and tankers carrying flammable products.”
There was also a call for the government to address the rising cost of living in Ebonyi State, especially regarding food prices (despite the state being known as the food basket of the Southeast), transportation, and housing costs. The Union urged the government to establish a price control mechanism to regulate the actions of traders, motorists, tricyclists, motorcycle riders, landlords, and house agents, who are exacerbating the hardships faced by residents.
The Union took the opportunity to commend its members for their professionalism in carrying out their duties, encouraging them to continue upholding the principles of journalism. The Council is committed to ensuring their welfare and protecting their constitutional rights as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm while cautioning against sensationalism or junk journalism.
Lastly, the Union congratulated Comrade Andy Nwogha on being elected as the SWAN Chairman and welcomed the members of his executive, as well as Comrade Uchenna Inya on becoming the Correspondents’ Chapel Chairman, along with his executive team, following recent elections held by the bodies in the state.