Abakaliki
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, has expressed concern over prevailing security challenges and the deplorable condition of roads across the state, particularly Umuguma Road, calling on relevant authorities to take urgent measures to protect lives and property and improve road infrastructure.
The Council made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its Special October Congress held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, under the leadership of its Chairman, Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma, JP.
The Congress urged the relevant authorities to strengthen security measures and intensify efforts to address threats to public safety, while prioritising the rehabilitation of roads requiring immediate attention to ensure safer movement and improved accessibility for residents.
The Council noted that improved security and functional road infrastructure were essential to the safety, well-being and economic activities of communities across Imo State.
Beyond security and infrastructure, the Congress deliberated on members’ welfare, professional development, union administration and other issues affecting the journalism profession.
On the ongoing court case involving the Union, the Congress resolved that the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Imo State Council, Comrade Uche Chigaemezu, should convene a meeting at the NLC Secretariat to facilitate dialogue among the parties and explore an amicable resolution.
The Congress also urged members to regularise their documentation before October 31, 2026, ahead of the planned closure of the Council’s WhatsApp platform to enable the exercise. It stressed that only members who fulfilled the stipulated requirements would be retained on the platform.
On members’ welfare, the Congress received an update on the medical condition of Juliet Dim, a former Secretary of the Council, and appreciated individuals and groups who contributed towards her medical care. The donors included the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emeluba; Dr. Dorothy Nnaji; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Mrs. Ruby Emele; the NUJ Imo State Council; the Committee of Friends; and members of Congress.
The Congress further recognised Comrade Chief Evans Reward, Dr. Agu Bryan Chukwuma, Rtn. Amb. High Chief Dr. Uche E. Iro, JP, and Dr. Chinyere Maryrose Nwachukwu, Provost of Benjamin Uwajumogu State College of Education, Ihitte Uboma, for their contributions to the growth and welfare of the Union.
It also commended the humanitarian activities of the STRIVAD Foundation, established by Dr. Uche E. Iro, and congratulated him on his investiture as Patron of the NUJ South East Zone.
On professional development, members were encouraged to support the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) and participate in its academic and professional programmes following an appeal by the institution’s Imo State Coordinator, Chief Ken Njoku.
The Congress also emphasised the need to formally induct new members to familiarise them with the Union’s principles, objectives, professional ethics and responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the Congress endorsed the candidacy of the incumbent Zonal Secretary, Chioma Alex Doris, for re-election unopposed in the forthcoming triennial delegates’ election, following a briefing by the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Imo State Chapter, Comrade Bibian Okeke.
The NAWOJ chairperson also briefed the Congress on the association’s Girl-Child Day programme, which focused on promoting the education, rights and welfare of the girl child.
The Congress witnessed the inauguration of the leaders of the Information Chapel by the NUJ Zonal Vice President, Chief Eze Adiuku, describing the exercise as a step towards strengthening chapel administration and improving coordination within the Union.
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to members’ welfare, professional excellence, institutional development and unity, while calling for stronger collaboration among journalists, government authorities, professional bodies and other stakeholders to promote press freedom, improved security, better infrastructure and the overall welfare of journalists in Imo State.
The communiqué was signed by the Council Chairman, Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma, JP, and the Council Secretary, Comrade Treasure Ihechi-Nwamah.
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