BY: ORYIMAN GWAZA
The Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists, Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber has appealed with the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals to kindly present a memo to the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, requesting for the establishment of a befitting and modern Media City in Benue State, where a total of five hundred (500) plots of land can be strategically earmarked for Journalists across the state.
Comrade Ugber made the statement yesterday, when he alongside members of the State Working Committee paid a courtesy visit on the Honourable Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals. He maintained that, the request become necessary because, most of the journalists are living in rented apartments and given the high rates of rent payment introduced by landlords, it becomes humiliating when most members of the Union face embarrassment for either non-payment or late payment of rent. In his words, “for journalists to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities as watchdogs and agenda-setters, they require a secure, stable, and conducive environment both at their workplaces and in their homes. Regrettably, many Journalists in Benue State do not own houses of their own.
They are frequently subjected to undue harassment by landlords, and in some unfortunate cases, their personal safety and that of their families are threatened. These harsh realities inevitably affect productivity, professional focus, and peace of mind. This action if duly considered will be a landmark initiative that will not only dramatically improve the living standards of media practitioners but will also stand as a historic and enduring legacy of your compassionate leadership and commitment to the welfare of the Fourth Estate of the Realm”.
Also, he stressed that, the visit was to further emphasize the importance of sustained synergy between the Ministry and the media, to ensure that citizens are timely, accurately, and adequately informed about policies, procedures, reforms, and achievements in land administration pointing that, an informed public is an empowered public, noting again that, consistent public enlightenment on land matters will drastically reduce land racketeering, sharp practices, fraudulent transactions, and unwholesome levies that often hinder development and create avoidable conflicts. He thus commended the Commissioner’s exceptional administrative acumen, and particularly visionary reforms and innovative strides in land administration, his deliberate commitment to transparency, orderliness, professionalism, and fairness in the management of land resources has also significantly enhanced public trust, restored institutional credibility, and contributed meaningfully to sustainable growth and development across the state.
Comrade Ugber further commended his sterling performance as Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management ,where he admirably set high standards, strengthened institutional frameworks, and championed quality education for the Benue child, and noted again that, the Commissioner’s reappointment was, without doubt, a strong testament to the immense confidence His Excellency reposed in his competence, integrity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the service of God, the government, and the good people of Benue State.
Responding, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals appreciated the visit and said that the call by the NUJ Chairman had re-enkindled his burning desire to not just do more in the discharge of his duties, the action serves as a wake-up call for him to even engage more with NUJ so that members of the public will become more enlightened on matters of land administration stressing that, Governor Alia has promised to ensure that, land administration matters in Benue State under his watch will be handled transparently and due accountability will be given periodically. He promised to look into the NUJ Chairman’s request and wished the team well stressing that, his continuous engagement with journalists has really sharpened and improved his skills on addressing members of the public.
