The Plateau State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to enhance the publicity of government policies, programmes and developmental projects across the State.
The Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Dr. Gyang Bere, stated this on Wednesday when he received the Trust Campaign Council of the NUJ Plateau State Chairman, Comrade Ayuku Pwaspo, at his office.
The delegation, led by the Director-General of the Trust Campaign Council, Mrs. Lucy Chindaba, included Comrade Ayuku Pwaspo and the National Internal Auditor of the NUJ, Comrade Tongnaan Bawa, among other members of the campaign team.
Bere described Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang as a media-friendly Governor who places a high premium on the welfare of journalists and the creation of a conducive environment for media practitioners to operate effectively.
He said the government recognised the media as a critical partner in promoting accountability, transparency, good governance and peaceful coexistence, stressing that effective communication remained essential to keeping citizens informed about government interventions and development initiatives.
“I am confident in affirming that the Governor remains committed to improving the lives and living conditions of the citizens of Plateau State through impactful development across all sectors.
“He will also not rest on his oars in addressing the legitimate needs of the media and ensuring that journalists operating in the State have the support and environment required to discharge their responsibilities effectively.”
The DOPPA assured the delegation that the State Government would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving the working conditions and professional welfare of journalists, including efforts towards enhancing the NUJ Secretariat and other facilities.
He also appreciated journalists across Plateau for maintaining a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the government, particularly through initiatives such as the NUJ Christmas and Ramadan programmes.
According to him, the programmes have served as important platforms for mobilising citizens towards peaceful coexistence, unity, tolerance and understanding among people of diverse religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Bere congratulated Pwaspo on her leadership of the NUJ Plateau State Council and commended her efforts towards fostering unity among journalists.
He called on members of the Union to close ranks and work together for a stronger and more purposeful NUJ, while wishing the campaign team success in the forthcoming elections.
Pwaspo Seeks Support for NUJ Secretariat, Bus
Earlier, the Director-General of the Trust Campaign Council, Mrs. Lucy Chindaba, described the visit as a “homecoming,” noting that the DOPPA’s office remained an important partner in advancing professionalism, responsible journalism and effective communication in Plateau State.
Chindaba highlighted the historic significance of Pwaspo’s emergence as the first woman to lead the NUJ Plateau State Council after five decades of the Union’s existence in the State.
She expressed optimism that the development would encourage greater participation of women in the affairs and leadership of the Council, while ushering in increased productivity, unity and professionalism.
The Campaign Director-General formally presented the NUJ Chairman and members of her Executive Council to the DOPPA, describing the engagement as the beginning of a renewed chapter of collaboration between the Union and government.
She emphasised the importance of effective publicity of government programmes, policies, projects and activities for the benefit of citizens.
Responding, NUJ Chairman Comrade Ayuku Pwaspo appreciated Governor Mutfwang for his support and the cordial relationship between his administration and journalists in Plateau State.
She, however, appealed to the State Government to assist the Union in completing the NUJ Secretariat Press Hall, providing a bus to facilitate journalists’ mobility, and addressing other welfare needs of members.
The engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Plateau State Government and the NUJ to strengthening media-government relations, promoting professionalism, improving journalists’ welfare and ensuring effective communication of government development activities to the people.
