By Amos Aar
In a powerful show of support and high expectations, top figures in Benue State have hailed the emergence of Comrade Bemdoo Ugber as the new chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council in the last Saturday 16th November 2024 Triennial Delegate Conference held at NUJ House Makurdi.
As Comrade Ugber assumes leadership, he faces the dual challenge of restoring unity and strengthening the role of journalists in promoting government activities.
Benue Links General Manager, Comrade Alexander Fanafa, was among the first to congratulate Comrade Ugber, expressing optimism about the future of the NUJ under his leadership.
During a familiarization visit to Fanafa’s office, the General Manager emphasized the need for Ugber to consult widely among stakeholders to mend fractures within the union.
The recent leadership tussle, he noted, had created some discord, and restoring unity would be essential for the NUJ to function effectively.
“Always consult stakeholders to end acrimony that resulted in the leadership tussle in the union,” Fanafa advised.
He also encouraged Comrade Ugber to use his position to positively influence public perception of the government, stressing the importance of “proactively publicizing government activities with appealing messages that will galvanize support from the people.”
Fanafa, congratulating the new Chairman on his victory, assured him of his unwavering support in his mission to elevate the NUJ.
“Remain an ambassador of your chapel, Radio Benue, and of the State Council at large,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to backing Ugber’s efforts to reposition the union.
Comrade Ugber, visibly expressed appreciation and acknowledged Fanafa’s encouragement during the campaign period and presented his certificate of return. “Your blessings were a significant boost,” Ugber said, expressing gratitude for Fanafa’s support.
In a related gesture, Sir James Iorpuu, Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), hosted the new NUJ State Working Committee SWC and Heads of Media Organisations at his Makurdi residence this Thursday.
He congratulated Comrade Ugber and highlighted the crucial role of journalists in fostering accountability and transparency.
The recent resolution of the union’s leadership crisis, Iorpuu noted, “should not be taken for granted, but seen as a reawakening for men of the pen profession to redeem their image.”
Expressing confidence in Ugber’s leadership, Iorpuu urged journalists to “rally around the new EXCO of the Benue NUJ under the leadership of Comrade Bemdoo Ugber” to drive reforms.
He further urged the media to continue supporting initiatives, programmes ,policies and decisions of Governor Hyacinth Alia administration while embracing fresh ideas for advancing the profession.
Elaigu Abutu, Head of Brothers FM, praised Iorpuu for his enduring support of journalists and hailed the dinner as a gesture of goodwill.
“This dinner is a demonstration of your passion and belief in the media as a viable ally in promoting government activities,” Abutu remarked, pledging his station’s support to the Ugber-led NUJ.
Echoing these sentiments, the Director General of Radio Benue Corporation, Terseer Mnzughulga, expressed gratitude to Iorpuu for his unwavering relationship with the press. “Your love for the new leadership is evident in this gathering,” Mnzughulga said, thanking him for hosting the new NUJ EXCO.
As Ugber embarks on his new role, he remains focused on fostering a strong, unified NUJ that will both serve its members and work collaboratively with the government. “Sir James Iorpuu is a true and loving father whose prayers and support brought victory to me at the election,” Ugber remarked. He pledged to work diligently to strengthen the NUJ in support of BSEMA and the Alia administration.
Omanews.com
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