From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ebonyi State Council, has lauded the scholarship scheme initiated by Governor Francis Nwifuru through which 204 youths got scholarship for postgraduate studies abroad and 541 others are enjoying same post graduate scholarship within the country.
The union described the scholarship scheme as a laudable initiative that would positively impact on the overall growth and development of Ebonyi State.
It commended the state government for reviving the pipe production factory and described it as a bold step towards the industrialisation of the state, but urged it to consider privatising the factory for optimal utilisation.
While commending the urban renewal initiative of Governor Nwifuru’s administration, the union urged it to open more street roads within the capital city.
These were contained in a communique issued at the end of the union’s congress held at its secretariat and signed by the Chairman, Comrade Nwafor Samson and Secretary, Nnamdi Akpa.
“Congress commended the human capital development drive of the Ebonyi State government through which 204 youths got scholarship for postgraduate studies abroad and 541 others are enjoying same post graduate scholarship within the country. It described the scheme as a laudable initiative that would positively impact on the overall growth and development of Ebonyi State.
“It also commended government for constructing new roads and rehabilitating the existing ones within Abakaliki capital city and urged it to sustain the tempo by opening up the capital city through the construction of new street roads.
“Congress lauded government for reviving the pipe production factory, describing it as a bold step towards the industrialisation of the state and urged it to consider giving the factory to a private company to manage on Public-Private-Partnership basis because government is not a good manager of business,” NUJ said.
It also noted with concern the incessant cases of road accidents involving tankers and called on the state government and relevant authorities to initiate measures to save the state from such disaster.
It decried the high cost of living and urged the state government to checkmate the activities of traders, tricyclists, okada riders, Landlords and house agents etc, identified to be contributing to the ugly situation.
The union also commended its members for their high level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties and urged them to continue to uphold the tenets of journalism, as it is committed to their wellbeing and protection of their constitutional rights as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, but warned them against indulging in sensational or junk journalism.
It congratulated Comrade Andy Nwogha who emerged as SWAN Chairman and members of his executive, as well as Comrade Uchenna Inya who emerged Correspondents Chapel Chairman and members of his executive in the recent elections conducted by the bodies.
