…As Don calls for unity against insecurity
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Benue State Council, on Thursday held a Lecture, Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Makurdi, recognising 81 veteran journalists, as stakeholders emphasised professionalism, collaboration and unity in the face of rising insecurity.
In his address, the State Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, highlighted achievements since assuming office in November 2024, including a bus, a 9.8-kilowatt generator and ICT equipment. He also noted that he organized training programmes and ongoing revenue-generating projects aimed at repositioning the union for sustainability.
Ugber said the event was organised to honour veteran journalists, describing them as the foundation of the profession, while reaffirming the union’s independence and commitment to accountability and neutrality.
Delivering a lecture titled “Collaborative Journalism and Building Community Resilience Against Crime,” Prof. Andrew Ijwo, represented by Dr. Hangeior Degarr, called for the adoption of collaborative journalism to address insecurity in Benue and the North Central region.
He observed that current reporting remains fragmented and largely reactive, urging stronger partnerships among journalists, communities and security agencies, as well as a coordinated national framework led by the NUJ.
Chairman of the occasion, Terhemen Tarzoor, represented by Comrade Lakpo Adams, alongside the Chairlady and Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Lami Danladi represented by Otse Otokpa, stressed the need for fairness, integrity and verification in news reporting.
Similarly, the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdul, represented by National Trustee, Zone D, Comrade Nancy Orshi, called for unity among journalists, the elimination of quacks in the profession and support for the current leadership, while appreciating Governor Hyacinth Alia for his support.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to Comrade Alexander Fanafa, General Manager of Benue Links Nigeria Limited; Engr. Tivfa Wombo, Director of Civil Engineering, Ministry of Works, Housing and Urban Development, Benue State; and Hon. Stephen Numbeve, State Coordinator of RAAMP, for their contributions to journalism in the state.
Earlier, Chairman of the Public Forum Committee, Babs Usigbe, disclosed that 81 veteran journalists were selected for recognition.
