UYO — The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone F, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise and complete all Trunk A roads across the South-South region, lamenting the persistent infrastructural decay that continues to hinder the free movement of people, goods and services in the oil-rich zone.
This position was made known in a communiqué signed by Comrade Opaka Dokubo, Vice President of Zone F; Comrade Dominic Akpan, Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee; and Comrade Michael Abang, Secretary of the Drafting Committee, and issued at the end of the Zonal Meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The meeting noted with deep concern the deplorable condition of major federal roads in the region and urged the Federal Government to move beyond mere rhetoric and deliver on the much-needed infrastructure.
The Zone stressed that timely completion of these road projects is critical to reducing transportation costs and enhancing economic activities across the region.
In a show of internal unity, the Zone passed a Vote of Confidence on its Vice President, Comrade Opaka Dokubo, and Zonal Secretary, Comrade Angese John, applauding their effective leadership and the successful conduct of peaceful, hitch-free elections in various State Councils.
It further urged members in states with upcoming elections to uphold the spirit of peace and engage in issue-based campaigns.
The Union also commended Tantita Security Services for constructing a befitting secretariat for the Warri Correspondents’ Chapel under the Delta State Council, describing the gesture as a commendable contribution to press freedom and professionalism.
While acknowledging the support of governors across the South-South for their respective State NUJ Councils, the Zone offered special commendation to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his substantial support in hosting the meeting, completing the NUJ Auditorium Project, and donating vehicles to eleven members of the State Council.
The Zone urged South-South governors to revive the BRACED Commission and rededicate themselves to regional integration by investing in strategic infrastructure, particularly bridges to connect riverine communities that remain largely isolated.
Congratulating the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on its 25th anniversary, the NUJ Zone acknowledged the modest achievements of the Dr Samuel Ogbuku-led management, particularly the “Operation Light Up the Niger Delta” initiative.
However, it challenged the Commission to do more to justify the substantial funds allocated for regional transformation.
It also called on the Federal Government to publish the report of the Commission’s forensic audit and end the cycle of frequent Board dissolutions.
The Union further urged people of the region to protect government infrastructure and resist vandalisation, warning that such acts undermine collective progress.
While noting the rise in monthly federal allocations to Local Government Councils, the Zone advised council chairmen to move from merely grading roads to constructing durable Trunk C roads that would have long-term value for rural communities.
