*State Emergency Agency, IOM, Partners Move Towards Closer Collaboration For IDPs’ Benefit
By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has assured journalists in the state that his administration would remain in strong collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for optimal performance.
Speaking yesterday during the presentation of papers and awards to deserving Nigerians at Nnam Hotel, Makurdi, the state capital, the governor noted the commitment of journalists to the state’s development, stressing that with closer collaboration, they would help reposition the Middle Belt state.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr. Peter Egbodo, the governor restated his commitment to renovate the NUJ Secretariat in Makurdi and clear the union’s outstanding national dues.
Governor Alia who appreciated journalists for their contributions to nation-building, urged them to uphold professionalism and factual reporting and disclosed the plans to begin regular accountability briefings.
State Council Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, had in his welcome remarks, described the Press Week as a time for reflection and growth and appealed to the governor to provide an official car for the NUJ Chairman’s office, noting that the union’s bus donated by the governor had become overstretched in use.
Comrade Ugber, who disclosed that the union has performed the groundbreaking for 20 lock-up shops at the NUJ Secretariat, to boost revenue, also revealed that some organisations, including Bauhaus Global Construction Company, has supported the project with materials and equipment.
Chairman of the occasion, Douglas Pepe SAN, in his comment, said the press must remain accountable while safeguarding democracy.
On her part. Chairlady of the occasion, Amb.Jennifer Gbishe Igoh, urged journalists to focus their reporting on building the society.
The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who presented a lecture on the theme ‘Strengthening the Media for Credible Reporting and Democratic Accountability’, stressed the importance of the press in the nation’s development.
“I affirm that democracy cannot thrive where journalism becomes partisan, sensational, or driven by unverified narratives. Government and political parties, including our own, must accept criticism. It is a vital part of democracy. But criticism must be rooted in facts, not propaganda.
“Nigeria needs journalists who:
“*Verify before publishing;
“*Prioritize national unity above political rivalry;
“*Hold power accountable without becoming political actors;
“*Use the pen to heal society, not divide it.”
The National Chairman, who was represented by the Benue State Chairman of the party, Dr. Benjamin Omale, insisted that when the press loses objectivity, the nation loses direction.
A former member, House of Representatives for Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo, Dr. Francis Agbo, who led discussion on the paper presented, urged journalists to take their place as the 4th Estate of the Realm and encouraged them to uphold the ethics of the profession.
NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, represented by a National Trustee, Comrade Nancy Orshi, hailed Gov. Alia for reviving the Benue NUJ and assured that journalists will continue to reciprocate the governor’s gesture.
During the event, there was presentation of awards to the Governor, Dr. Timothy Tiza, Okigbe Onojah, and Professor Yilwatda.
Certificates of recognition were also handed to several journalists, including Chief Godwin Ikyereve, former member of the House of Representatives for Gwer/ Gwer West; Dr. Ben Bem Ngutyo, former Minority Leader, Benue State House of Assembly; and Mr. Bans Osigbe, Publisher, The Pavilion newspaper, among others.
BSEMA,IOM, Partners Move Towards Closer Collaboration
In another development, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) said it remains committed to partner with global outfit, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other humanitarian partners for critical interventions to benefit Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.
The agency appreciated IOM’s plan to construct a water reticulation plant capable of purifying raw water from Naka Dam to meet strict international standards for safe human consumption in the area fed by the dam.
The Permanent/Executive Secretary of the agency, Sir James Iorpuu, disclosed these yesterday in Naka town when he led a joint BSEMA–IOM team on a coordination tour to assess ongoing efforts in providing essential services such as food, water, sanitation, and hygiene for IDPs.
Iorpuu, who was represented by the Programme Manager on IDPs Operations, Orseer Gaius Zege, noted BSEMA’s commitment to supporting partners in implementing durable solutions for displaced persons, including safe and dignified return, resettlement, and reintegration.
Iorpuu, who lauded the IOM initiative to establish a new water treatment plant to complement the existing facility built by the Victims Support Fund (VSF), described the project as a critical intervention which aimed at improving the quality and availability of clean water for IDPs and host communities.
The Head of IOM Sub-Office, Makurdi, Mediatrice Berangayo, who led a team of IOM engineers to the event, stated that “the project seeks to ensure access to safe, equitable, and adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene for both IDPs and host communities.”
She applauded BSEMA and Gwer West Local Government Council for their sustained efforts in addressing the needs of displaced populations.
Chairman, Gwer West Local Government Area, Hon. Ormin Torsaa Titus, accompanied the BSEMA and IOM teams to the water treatment site and pledged to provide land for the construction of the new plant even as he reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to collaborate with both BSEMA and IOM for the overall benefit of the people.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Some of the veteran journalists honoured during the Press Week.
