The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has sought the intervention of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, in addressing the dilapidated state of infrastructure at the Council Secretariat in Utako, Abuja.
The union made this appeal at its second Congress on Saturday in Abuja.
Delegates at the meeting decried the poor condition of the facility currently used for Congresses, describing it as unfit for a professional body of journalists operating within the nation’s capital.
The union also appealed to the minister to come to its aid in the completion of the long-delayed NUJ Pentagon, a building envisioned to serve as a landmark edifice for journalists in Abuja.
“The current state of our secretariat is appalling. We are earnestly appealing to the Honourable Minister to undertake a facility tour and see for himself the infrastructural decay we contend with. We believe that under his leadership, the Secretariat and Pentagon project can finally be transformed into a lasting legacy,”; the Congress resolved.
The FCT NUJ, in addition to the appeal, drew attention to broader socio-economic issues confronting residents of the capital and Nigerians at large.
It bemoaned the persistent power outages across the FCT, attributing the problem to the inefficiencies of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC.
It warned that the poor electricity supply was stifling productivity and negatively impacting the quality of life.
The FCT NUJ also faulted the rising cost of telecommunications and internet data, describing it as a heavy financial burden on citizens, urging the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, to investigate billing practices and introduce measures that ensure affordability and consumer protection.
The union also expressed grave concern over the increasing rate of maternal mortality, which it linked to worsening economic conditions and inflation.
It, therefore, called on the Federal Government to provide free maternal healthcare services, including pre-natal, ante-natal, and post-natal care, to alleviate the burden on expectant mothers and reduce preventable deaths.
It reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the welfare of journalists and the general public, pledging continued engagement with relevant authorities to address these pressing challenges.
