Segun Babatunde in Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has urged the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to fully join the campaign against rape and gender based violence in the country.
The Governor who stated this yesterday while declaring opening the one-day North-East zonal meeting of the NUJ at the Press Centre in Bauchi pointed out that Journalists being the watchdog of the society have vital roles to play towards ensuring that the menace of rape and gender based violence in the society are reduced.
According to him,”We have an issue in our front burner as journalists, that is the issue of rape and other gender based violence against women. I want to challenge my colleagues to contribute in fighting this menace”.
Governor Mohammed, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Ladan Salihu, appealed to journalists in the country to support security operatives in tackling security challenges in the country today.
While expressing readiness to help in the uplift of the NUJ for the welfare and wellbeing of members in the state, the governor noted that under the leadership of the current NUJ President, Chris Isiguzo, the integrity of journalism profession would be enhanced.
“Our current NUJ President is a vibrant President and I believe under his leadership, the integrity of journalism profession would be enhanced.
“I want to say that, in Governor Bala Mohammed, your colleague and our leader, you have a noble partner that will help in uplifting the NUJ to the greater high.”
The governor who is amember of the Fourth Estate of the Realm that his administration is working hard towards effective service delivery in all sectors of economy in the state.
He added that since its inception, his administration has recorded great achievements in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, health and education.
Earlier, in his a keynote address, Isiguzo appreciated the supports Governor Mohammed has been extending to journalists not only in the state, but across the country since his coming on board as Bauchi State governor.
“Your Excellency, each time we gather like this, it affords us the opportunity to look around and see what is going on as enshrined in the constitution to hold government accountable.
“We have inspected and we have seen the projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state embarked upon by your administration.
“We appreciate what you are doing in Bauchi and for the support extended to journalists across Nigeria. Your Excellency, we remain grateful for that,” the NUJ President said.
He, however, appealed to the governor to provide land the state council of NUJ to construct housing units for its members with a view to tackling their housing needs.
Our Correspondent reports that prior to the zonal meeting, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media to the Governor, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado, had led delegates, including NUJ national officers, on inspection of projects executed within Bauchi metropolis by the Governor Mohammed-led administration. END