From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has praised Governor Yahaya Bello for providing members conducive atmosphere to operate.
The Council particularly thanked the Governor and one of his media aides for ensuring Christmas package for members.
This was contained in a Communique issued at the end of its Congress meeting held at the NUJ, Press Centre in Lokoja on Saturday.
The Congress also hailed the current infrastructural development in the state, especially the ongoing construction of Lokoja Civic Center and Ganaja junction flyover as well as the smooth take off of the Lokoja Mega Terminal describing the efforts as legacy projects among others.
The Congress equally stressed the need for government to urgently pay attention to the following roads that are in bad state. They are : Lokoja-Zango-Kabba junction road, zone eight round about to House of Assembly road as well as the Mount Patti road.
The Communique noted that the state government should as a matter of urgency do all within its reach to revive the state owned Radio (FM 94.1) which has gone off air for months, with a passionate appeal that government’s approval for purchase of two transmitters for the Radio Station should be followed with action and with similar attention to the State Owned Graphicsl Newspaper.
The Communique advised Government to endeavour to provide alternative means of transportation for the populace before enforcing the order, banning Keke and motorcycle operators from the highways.
The Council also resolved to comply with the national directive of the NLC to commence strike over non implementation of the new minimum wage in Kogi saying that it will however, await further directive of the NLC in the state after serving government due notice.
The Communique further stressed the need for members to participate in the proposed one day national protest called by the NLC over the planned increase in the price of petrol slated for Thursday, 27th January, 2022.
It urged members to take issues concerning themselves more serious and be ready to show commitment in all activities of NUJ in Kogi State.
A vote of confidence was passed on the state Chairman of NUJ, Alhaji Adeiza Momohjimoh for transparent leadership while a minute silence was observed in honour of late Simeon Ogwu, a staff of the State Secretariat of NUJ and late former General Manager of the Kogi State Owned Graphic Newspaper, Mr Fidel Egwuche.