By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Governor Hyacinth Alia has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to remodel the Benue Council Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and offset its outstanding national dues, as journalists gathered in Makurdi for the 2025 Press Week public lecture.

The event, themed “Strengthening the Media for Credible Reporting and Democratic Accountability,” drew media professionals, political leaders, and public officials.

Represented by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr. Peter Egbodo, Governor Alia lauded journalists for their role in deepening democracy and shaping public discourse. He urged practitioners to remain steadfast in professionalism and fact-based reporting. The governor also announced plans to introduce periodic accountability briefings at the NUJ Secretariat to strengthen government–media engagement.

Welcoming participants, NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, described Press Week as a period for introspection and professional renewal.

He noted that the topic of the week “is not only apt but urgent, especially in a rapidly evolving democracy where credible information is the bedrock of accountability, transparency, and good governance.”

He appealed to the governor to provide an official vehicle for the chairman’s office, noting that the council’s existing bus donated by the state government had become overstretched.

Ugber further disclosed that the union had performed the groundbreaking for the construction of 20 lock-up shops within the Secretariat complex to boost internally generated revenue. He acknowledged the support of organisations, including Bauhaus Global Construction Company, which donated materials and equipment for the project.

Chairman of the occasion, Douglas Pepe, a Seniour Advocate, emphasised that the media must uphold accountability and protect democratic values.

Similarly, Chairlady of the event, Ambassador Jennifer Igoh, encouraged journalists to prioritise developmental and society-building reportage.

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, represented by Benue APC Chairman, Dr. Benjamin Omale, highlighted the media’s pivotal role in fostering national unity and shaping public consciousness.

In a keynote addesss former House of Representatives member for Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo, Mr. Francis Agbo, charged journalists to assert their constitutional role as the Fourth Estate of the Realm. He urged them to uphold ethical standards, conduct thorough research, and publish only accurate, truth-driven reports.

The NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, represented by National Trustee Comrade Nancy Orshi, commended Governor Alia for revitalising the Benue NUJ and ensuring prompt payment of workers’ salaries.

The ceremony featured award presentations to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Dr. Timothy Tiza, Okigbe Onojah, and Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda. Certificates of recognition were also presented to several journalists, including Comrade Godwin Ikyereve, Bem Ngutyo, Terhemen Ater, Abraham Aondo, and Doris Yuwa, among others.

A minute silence was observed in honour of late veteran journalist Dan Agbese and other departed media practitioners.