By Nicholas Dechi
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue Council, has expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of state-owned media organisations and urged the government to urgently renovate and modernise them.
The union made the plea in a communiqué issued at the end of its congress in Makurdi and signed by Mr Abraham Ochife and Ms Faith Igbudu, Chairman and Secretary of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, respectively.
The NUJ listed the media organisations to include Radio Benue, The Voice Newspaper, and Benue Television.
It stated that the media outfits’ conditions were deplorable and urgent intervention was necessary to reposition to meet modern professional standards.
The congress, presided over by the NUJ Chairman, Mr Bemdoo Ugber, also expressed concern over delays in the implementation of weigh-in allowance for some media workers.
“Congress expressed worry over the non-issuance of Personal Subhead Numbers (PSN) to staff of The Voice Newspaper, and the shortfall in the implementation of the minimum wage in some media organisations.
“Congress mandates its State Working Committee to collaborate with the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) to engage the Head of Service and ensure prompt implementation of the allowances as well as resolution of other outstanding concerns affecting media workers.
“It further urged politicians to avoid inflammatory remarks and divisive rhetoric capable of heating the polity and advised them to conduct campaigns with civility, responsibility, and decorum,” it added.
Meanwhile, the NUJ commended the Benue Government for efforts in tackling insecurity, especially the rescue of 13 persons, including Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) candidates who were on their way to Otukpo for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The union also backed Governor Hyacinth Alia’s call on JAMB to make arrangements for the affected candidates to write the examination.
It, however, expressed grave concern over persistent attacks and killings of farmers in parts of Gwer West, Guma, Apa, Kwande and Agatu local governments, thereby preventing many farmers from accessing their farmlands. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)