REPORTER:PEACE AGBO
The Abia State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ is to receive a boost from the Abia state government to enhance the performance of the members in the state.
Governor Alex Otti who announced this when he received a delegation of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by its Chairman, Comrade Chidi Asonye, at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area said the state government assist the council for the completion of the permanent secretariat and provision of operational bus.
Governor Otti who disagreed with one of the Union’s requests for financial subvention, said such regular funding to the Union could undermine its independence and role as a watchdog in a democratic society.
He emphasized the need for Journalists to remain independent and objective in upholding the ethics of the profession.
Governor Otti assured the Journalists of his administration’s willingness to assist in other critical areas and encouraged the Union to explore alternative funding strategies, including partnerships and fundraising initiatives.
Earlier, the NUJ Chairman, Abia State Chapter, Comrade Chidi Asonye, commended Governor Otti for his numerous developmental strides in the state which he noted had changed the state’s narrative.
While presenting some challenges of the Council including absence of a permanent secretariat, lack of subvention, and poor mobility to the Governor, Comrade Asonye, appealed for urgent government intervention to complete and upgrade the facility and other needs.
Also speaking, an Ex-Officio member of the Union, Ezeogo Boniface Okoro, noted that a properly developed secretariat could serve as a revenue-generating asset for the Union and appealed to the Governor to consider flexible ways of supporting the Union.
