By: Hilary John, Jalingo
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Taraba State Council, has called on Governor Agbu Kefas to urgently intervene in the worsening condition of the Taraba State Broadcasting Service (TSBS) and Taraba Television (TTV), warning that both state-owned media organisations are on the verge of collapse if immediate action is not taken.
The appeal was one of the major resolutions reached during the NUJ State Congress held on Wednesday in Jalingo.
Speaking during the congress, the Chairman of the council, Comrade Mathew Eliud Jen, said the poor state of facilities, equipment and working conditions in the two government-owned media houses requires urgent government attention to restore effective public broadcasting in the state.
The congress urged the Taraba State Government to take decisive steps to rehabilitate and reposition TSBS and TTV so they can effectively perform their responsibility of informing, educating and entertaining the public.
The union also called for regular training and retraining of journalists to keep pace with changes in the media industry, especially in digital journalism, new technologies and professional ethics.
According to the communiqué issued at the end of the congress, delegates stressed that continuous capacity building has become necessary for journalists to remain relevant and competitive in today’s fast-changing media environment.
They urged the state government and the NUJ to work together in organising regular professional development programmes for media practitioners.
The congress commended the Taraba State Government for commencing the payment of five months’ salary arrears owed to local government workers, describing the move as a welcome relief to the affected employees.
It also praised the Federal Government for establishing the 10 Division of the Nigerian Army in Jalingo and relocating the Brigade operational headquarters to Wukari, noting that the development would strengthen security operations and improve the protection of lives and property across the state.
The NUJ further acknowledged the Taraba State Government’s support for security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and stability.
On complaints raised by Public Relations Officers serving in ministries, departments and agencies, the congress resolved to engage the appropriate authorities over issues relating to professional recognition and operational challenges affecting their work.
As part of preparations for the NUJ Taraba State Council elections scheduled for October 2026, Comrade Jen inaugurated a Credentials Committee to conduct a free, fair and credible election.
The congress also constituted a Governorship Debate Committee to organise debates ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with the aim of promoting issue-based campaigns and giving voters the opportunity to assess candidates.
The NUJ said the resolutions reflect its commitment to protecting public broadcasting, improving journalism practice and promoting democratic accountability in Taraba State.(Echo Express)
