The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), South-South Zone F, has called on the Federal Government to urgently rehabilitate critical federal roads in the region and prioritise the operationalisation of seaports to accelerate economic development.

The union also urged the Federal Government to complete the East-West Road and construct the proposed Coastal Highway, saying improved infrastructure would ease the hardship faced by residents and strengthen the revenue base of South-South states.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Zone F Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) meeting held on Friday at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The ZEC also called on the Federal Government to adequately fund the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to enable it to effectively fulfil its mandate of promoting development in the region.

The council expressed particular concern over the deplorable condition of federal roads linking Edo State and appealed to the Federal Government to urgently intervene to rehabilitate the roads.

The NUJ leadership commended the governors of South-South states for ongoing development projects across the region.

It specifically applauded the Edo State Government for its reported zero-tolerance approach to cultism and kidnapping, which it said had contributed to a significant reduction in crime in the state. It urged other governors in the region to adopt similar strategies.

The ZEC commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for completing the Victor Attah International Airport and commencing direct flight operations from Uyo to Ghana.

It also praised the Akwa Ibom State Government for its health insurance scheme and its implementation, which has enabled journalists in the state to benefit from the programme.

The council further commended the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, for maintaining what it described as a cordial relationship with journalists, promoting press freedom and demonstrating professionalism in protecting the rights and privileges of journalists.

It urged other police commands across the South-South to emulate the Akwa Ibom model.

In Bayelsa State, the ZEC commended Governor Douye Diri for the construction of the nine-storey Civil Servants Secretariat and other ongoing infrastructure projects, including road projects across the state.

The council described the ongoing 30,000-capacity stadium at Igbogene as a “fantastic legacy project” and urged the contractor to ensure its timely completion.

It also praised the Bayelsa State Government for improving electricity supply through the procurement and installation of gas turbines, noting that improved power supply would enhance socio-economic development and the well-being of residents.

The council equally commended the ongoing remodelling of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Complex and called for the timely completion of the project to facilitate effective legislative business.

On environmental challenges, the NUJ Zone F expressed concern over environmental degradation, climate change and recurring flooding across the South-South.

It called on the Federal Government to implement recommendations contained in environmental clean-up reports, address pollution, release ecological funds promptly and provide relief materials to communities affected by flooding and other environmental disasters.

State governments were also urged to adopt proactive measures to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The ZEC called for stronger regulation of food production companies to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
It further encouraged journalists to prioritise their health through regular medical check-ups, health awareness programmes and participation in government healthcare initiatives.

The council appreciated NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, for his continued support to the zone and commended the leadership of state councils for their cooperation and solidarity in promoting excellence in journalism practice.

It also urged all state councils to strictly adhere to the letter and spirit of the NUJ Constitution in their activities.

The ZEC expressed satisfaction with the infrastructural remodelling and renovation of the NUJ councils in Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa and encouraged other state councils in the zone to emulate the initiative.

The communiqué was signed by Comrade Nsibiet John, Chairman, NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council and Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee; Comrade Aqua Douye Akpuruku, Acting Secretary, NUJ Bayelsa State Council and Secretary of the Communiqué Drafting Committee; Comrade Angese John, Zonal Secretary, NUJ South-South Zone F; and Comrade Opaka Dokubo, Vice President, NUJ South-South Zone F.

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