News

NEC Approves Umuahia For NUJ 7th National Delegates’ Confab

Published

5 years ago

August 9, 2021

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has approved October 4, 2021 for its 7th Triennial National Delegates Congress slated for Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
It has also set up an 8-member Electoral Committee with National Officer and Deputy Editor of News Express, Garba Muhammad, as chairman.
Muhammad also chaired the recent 3rd National Conference of the NUJ in Port Harcourt, last June.
Abia State Council Chairman of NUJ, Victor Ndukwe, would serve as secretary of the committee.
Other members of the committee include, NAWOJ National President, Ladi Bala; FCT Council Chairman, Ogbeche Emmanuel; Cross River Council Chairman, Udu Victor; Sokoto State Council Chairman, Isa A. Shuni; Secretary, Ondo State Council, Prince Leke Adegbite; and Secretary, Borno State Council, Mohammed Ibrahim.
The composition of the electoral committee was one of the highlights of a communique signed by Secretary, Zone A, Abdullahi Isma Yamadi; Chairman, Ondo Council, Adetona Aderoboye; and Secretary, Abia Council, Adaeze Ralph Igbokwe; and NUJ National Secretary, Shuaibu Leman Usman, after the union’s NEC meeting in Abuja, last Saturday.
The communique stated that sportswriters who dissociated selves from the NUJ should henceforth cease to enjoy patronage of the union, including using the facilities of NUJ anywhere in the country.
It would be recalled that the NUJ 6th Triennial Delegates’ Conference was held in Abeokuta, capital of Ogun State, on October 4-5, 2018.
The current Central Working Committee (CWC) was sworn in on October 5, 2018 for a tenure which will come to an end on October 5 this year.
The CWC comprises the National President, Deputy President, National Treasurer, National Financial Secretary, Zonal Vice President and Zonal Secretaries of NUJ.
Appointed positions in the CWC include the National Secretary, the two Assistant National Secretaries and other national officers, while the national chairmen of the two NUJ affiliates (SWAN and NAWOJ) elected from their associations membership are also automatic members of the CWC.
NEC in its bid to resolve the factionalisation of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) resolved that “only sportswriters who pledge allegiance to the State Councils of the NUJ at the State levels would henceforth be recognised.”
As safety and security of journalists have become priority issues, NEC expressed worry over the high rate of intimidation and attacks on journalists in the country by both agents of the state and freelance actors.
It thus charged the Federal Government to urgently wade in and avert its escalation.
NEC also appealed to the Federal Government to dialogue with resident doctors to end the ongoing industrial action which has already subjected many Nigerians to untold hardship.
It equally called on the Federal Government to return to the negotiation table with ASUU to prevent an impending strike.
According to the communiqué, “NEC supports the position of Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria – BON calling for a complete review of the digitisation process specifically in the area of legal framework. It notes that the only document available remains the Government White paper of 2012 which does not capture contemporary technological development and it is deficient in addressing decade long issues that have emerged since its issuance.
“NEC notes with concern the high rate of insecurity across the country and calls on the Federal Government to overhaul the security apparatus with a view to combatting incessant killings, kidnappings, banditry and other criminal activities ravaging the country. Efforts should also be intensified to effect the release of 136 school pupils still in the kidnappers custody in Niger State without further delay.
“More importantly NEC encourages the Federal Government to make public the list of those sponsoring criminality in the country as earlier promised by the Attorney General of the Federation.
“As a further step towards improving the security situation in the Country, NEC adds its voice to calls that State Governments should be allowed to establish state police to complement the existing security architecture.
“NEC calls on the Federal Government to summon an urgent conference of stakeholders to map out strategies to avert the impending food crisis in the country, as a result of insecurity.
“The poor state of Federal Roads across the country is affecting the economy and wellbeing of Nigeria, and NEC after reviewing the situation, calls on the Federal Government to prioritise the construction of additional rail lines and rehabilitation of more roads for effective transportation.
“NEC expresses regret that more state governments are now unable to pay salaries of workers as and when due, including pensions and gratuities.”
The full text of the communiqué read, “Communioue issued at the end of the meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Union Of Journalists (NUJ) held at the NUJ Press Centre, Utako, Abuja, August 7, 2021.
“The National Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists held its meeting in Abuja with all the National Officers as well as Chairmen and Secretaries of State Councils in attendance, and came up with the following resolutions:
“NEC supports the position of Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria – BON calling for a complete review of the digitisation process specifically in the area of legal framework. It notes that the only document available remains the Government White paper of 2012 which does not capture contemporary technological development and it is deficient in addressing decade long issues that have emerged since its issuance.
“NEC notes with concern the high rate of insecurity across the country and calls on the Federal Government to overhaul the security apparatus with a view to combatting incessant killings, kidnappings, banditry and other criminal activities ravaging the country.
“Efforts should also be intensified to effect the release of 136 school pupils still in the kidnappers custody in Niger State without further delay. More importantly NEC encourages the Federal Government to make public the list of those sponsoring criminality in the country as earlier promised by the Attorney General of the Federation.
“As a further step towards improving the security situation in the Country, State Governments should be allowed to establish state police to complement the existing security architecture.
“NEC calls on the Federal Government to summon an urgent conference of stakeholders to map out strategies to avert the impending food crisis in the country, as a result of insecurity.
“The poor state of Federal Roads across the country is affecting the economy and wellbeing of Nigeria, and NEC after reviewing the situation, calls on the Federal Government to prioritise the construction of additional rail lines and rehabilitation of more roads for effective transportation.
“NEC expresses regret that more state Governments are now unable to pay salaries of workers as and when due, including pensions and gratuities. NEC calls for urgent measures to check this dangerous trend in addition to creating more employment opportunities for the teeming youth to guard against restiveness.
“NEC believes that all State Governments should be put to task in terms of payment of the national minimum wage, while efforts should be intensified towards the implementation of new salary structure for media workers in Nigeria.
“Safety and security of journalists have become priority issues and NEC expresses worry over the high rate of intimidation and attacks on Journalists in the country by both Agents of the State and Freelance Actors. It thus charges the Federal Government to urgently wade in and avert its escalation.
“NEC appeals to the Federal Government to dialogue with Resident doctors to end the ongoing industrial action which has already subjected many Nigerians to untold hardship. The FG should also return to the negotiation table with ASUU to prevent an impending strike.
“NEC in session calls on State Governments to prioritise on projects that have direct relevance to the yearnings and aspirations of their people, rather than embarking on White Elephant projects.
“That Sportswriters who dissociate selves from the NUJ should henceforth cease to enjoy patronage of the Union including using the facilities of NUJ anywhere in the country. Only sportswriters who pledge allegiance to the State Councils of the NUJ at the State levels would henceforth be recognised.
“NEC in session has approved the 4th of October 2021 for its 7th Triennial National Delegates’ Conference slated for Umuahia, Abia State, and set up an Electoral Committee with National Officer, Garba Muhammad as Chairman”, it added.

News

Fubara Reaffirms Commitment To Peace, Unity And Development As Rivers State Marks 59TH Anniversary

Published

1 day ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of his administration to peace, unity, security, and inclusive development as Rivers State marks its 59th anniversary.

In a goodwill message issued on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary, Governor Fubara stated that despite the challenges faced over the years, the people of Rivers State have continued to demonstrate resilience, strength, and an enduring spirit of unity that has sustained the state since its creation.

The Governor noted that the strong bond of brotherhood among the various ethnic nationalities of the state, including the Ijaw, Ikwerre, Ogoni, Etche, Ekpeye, Andoni, Kalabari, and others, remains one of Rivers State’s greatest strengths and a critical foundation for peace, stability, and progress.

He further observed that Rivers State has remained a major driver of Nigeria’s economy for decades, not only because of its abundant oil and gas resources, but also because of the exceptional contributions of its people across diverse sectors including academia, jurisprudence, business, entertainment, public service, and sports.

Governor Fubara assured the people that his administration will continue to prioritize policies and programmes that promote peace, protect lives and property, and expand development across all parts of the state. He emphasized that governance must be people centered and impactful, with equal attention given to every Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor also paid tribute to the elders and founding leaders of the state for preserving the spirit of unity and coexistence over the years, while urging the youths to remain hopeful, responsible, and actively committed to building a greater Rivers State through innovation, hard work, and patriotism.

He equally acknowledged the invaluable role of women in strengthening families, communities, and society, describing them as indispensable partners in the continued growth and stability of the state.

Governor Fubara called on all Rivers people to use the occasion of the anniversary as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, dialogue, and collective progress, stressing that the unity and future of Rivers State must always rise above personal interests and political differences.

Rivers State was created on May 27, 1967, when the administration of General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.) created twelve states out of the former four regions of Nigeria, with Rivers State carved out of the defunct Eastern Region.

News

APC Presidential Primary: Fubara Commends Process, As Tinubu Sweeps Poll In Rivers

Published

2 days ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has commended the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State over the outcome of last Saturday’s presidential primary election that saw President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sweeping the poll with a total of 280,082 votes.

Fubara, who served as the State Collation Officer for the primary election, said that while the APC had a total of 297,068 registered members, the number of those accredited for the election was 280,082.

According to him, all those accredited for the election, cast their ballot for Tinubu, leaving Stanley Osifo, his only opponent, with no votes.

Fubara expressed delight at the peaceful and seamless process which he said was as a result of good planning by the party.

“I feel that this process has recorded one of the most organised outings of our great party in recent times. The only reason it came out this way has to do with good planning. In all, I want to say that I’m really impressed with the process.

“So, I can say here that having taken time to go through the figures diligently, I, Siminalayi Fubara, who is standing as the State Collation Officer, hereby certify that the information contained in my own spreadsheet represents the true, correct and accurate record of the summary of results from the 23 LGAs of Rivers State,” he said.

The governor said that while it was evident that President Tinubu defeated his opponent in the primary election in the State, the report would be sent to the APC headquarters in Abuja where the results will be formally declared.

News

Ogoni cleanup: Minister Calls For more support from private sector

Published

2 days ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

The Federal Government has called for increased private sector participation and donor funding to sustain ongoing gains in the Ogoni environmental restoration project under the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project.

Speaking at a conference on donor facilitation and diplomatic support for HYPREP in Abuja, yesterday, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, stressed that the Ogoni cleanup programme was designed as a long-term intervention requiring sustained funding, technical support, and international cooperation.

“The project is supposed to be a lifespan project. We must move towards achieving its main aim, which is environmental restoration and sustainable development,” he added.

Lawal acknowledged the contributions of the United Nations Environment Programme, describing its assessment as the scientific foundation of the ongoing remediation efforts in Ogoni land.

“We are all here because of that UNEP report. It provided the scientific foundation for what has become one of the world’s most ambitious environmental remediation programmes,” he said.

According to him, hundreds of hectares of hydrocarbon-polluted land have been remediated, while additional sites are currently undergoing cleanup operations.

“We have remediated hundreds of hectares of polluted land, and more sites are still being worked on. Water schemes have also been delivered to affected communities,” he stated.

He added that ecosystem restoration, livelihood support programmes, and healthcare projects were ongoing across affected communities.

“Body health facilities are being constructed, livelihood programmes are empowering thousands, and we are also restoring access to safe drinking water because the first victim of pollution is water,” he said.

The minister also disclosed that the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration was nearing completion, describing it as a major milestone in the project.

“If you go there, you will see one of the biggest edifices being constructed under HYPREP. It will serve as a postgraduate and research institute for environmental remediation,” Lawal said.

Despite the progress, he warned that funding challenges remain a major threat to sustaining the project.

“While substantial progress has been made, the journey is not yet complete. The implementation of UNEP recommendations requires long-term commitment and sustained financial and technical support,” he said.

Lawal therefore, appealed to development partners, donor agencies, international financial institutions, foundations, and private sector players to scale up their support.

“We need your support—financial, technical, scientific, and strategic. No organisation or government can do it alone,” he said.

He further described the Ogoni cleanup as a global model for environmental recovery, climate resilience, and international cooperation.

“The restoration of Ogoni land is not merely a Nigerian undertaking; it is a global model. Its success will show what is possible when governments, communities, and partners work together,” he added.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ogoni Trust Fund, Emmanuel Deeyah, said the conference was organised to attract financial, technical, and institutional support for the cleanup exercise.

“We are looking for resources, financial support, expertise, partnership, and collaboration. Government cannot do everything alone,” he said.

Deeyah said the agitation for environmental justice in Ogoni dated back to 1991 when residents drew global attention to the environmental degradation caused by oil exploration activities.

“We farm in Ogoni land and we also fish, but our waters were polluted and the land could no longer support farming activities,” he said.

He explained that the UNEP report recommended that oil companies should contribute $1bn every five years for 30 years to support the remediation programme.

“We have done 10 years now and we have not even received the full $1bn that was supposed to be contributed. The refineries and local operators have not contributed a dime,” he stated.

Last week, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project announced the closure of 30 contaminated sites in Ogoniland, Rivers State, while investigations have commenced on 18 high-risk polluted locations in residential communities.