FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has charged the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, to be a force that unites the country.
Malam Bello who gave the charge when he received a delegation of the Union led by its National President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, on a courtesy visit to the FCT Administration, said in a country of over 200million people, the NUJ could serve as a unifying force; bringing Nigerians together.
The Minister expressed confidence that under the present leadership, the NUJ could be that force, adding that with the cooperation and support of members of the Union, especially at the FCT Council, the dream of building the FCT desired by Nigerians could be achieved.
He described journalists in the FCT Council of the Union as partners in progress and important stakeholders in the Abuja project. A partnership which, he stressed, he does not take for granted.
Malam Bello commended members of the NUJ for their support, cooperation and good working relationship with the FCTA, calling on them to find ways of adapting to the changes brought about by COVID 19 while also pledging the Administration’s support for the activities of the Union geared toward the welfare of its members and the unity of the country.
Earlier, the NUJ President, had commended the FCT Minister for building a befitting secretariat for the NUJ FCT Council while also commending the FCT Administration for efforts in the fight against COVID 19.
He said: “This dreaded disease is coming at a time when Nigeria is navigating through very difficult times. We are however happy that your efforts are having positive results and we urge the FCT Administration to evolve more result oriented ways and means of ensuring that the less privileged and the internally displaced Persons in the FCT do not suffer more than necessary”.
The National President assured the Minister of the continued support and encouragement of the NUJ, both at the national and FCT level, to ensure better and enhanced service delivery to the people.
Also present at the meeting were: The SA Media to the Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Sani, Director, Information and Communication, Mrs. Stella Ojeme, Ag. Director, Reform Coordination and Service ImprovementDepartment, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, National President, National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole and Chairman, FCT Council of NUJ, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche as well as the Chairman, FCT Minister’s Press Corps, Ikharo Attah