FIC Report (Benue State) – The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, hosted the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Dr. Peter Egbodo, and the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Dr. Stephen Hwande, during a special congress of the union held at the NUJ House, Makurdi.
The meeting featured a briefing by the BSUTH CMD on the forthcoming 2nd International Health Investment Summit and Scientific Exhibition, and the hospital’s free medical outreach for journalists across the state.
In his opening remarks, Comrade Ugber warmly congratulated Dr. Egbodo on his appointment as Commissioner for Information by Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, describing the appointment as a recognition of his experience, humility, and commitment to public service.
He welcomed the Commissioner to the NUJ House, urging him to sustain a cordial and inclusive relationship with journalists in the state. He appealed to the Ministry of Information to ensure that all government press briefings and engagements are held at the NUJ Secretariat, noting that the gesture would foster stronger collaboration and mutual respect between the government and the media.
The NUJ Chairman further called on the Commissioner to promote inclusivity by carrying along all journalists in the state — not just the Government House Press Crew — in government activities, stating that “journalists across Benue, whether in public or private media, deserve equal access, respect, and opportunity to report.”
Comrade Ugber also decried the activities of some government appointees who allegedly divert funds and allowances meant for journalists covering official events, warning that the NUJ would not hesitate to expose and take formal action against anyone found culpable.
He informed the Commissioner about the ongoing screening and verification exercise for journalists in the state, aimed at creating a credible database to identify bona fide practitioners and eliminate quackery in the profession. He solicited the Commissioner’s support in recognising and working with accredited journalists under the NUJ.
The Chairman further reminded the Commissioner of pending requests before the government, including the renovation of the NUJ Secretariat, the release of ₦12 million approved for the Council, and the payment of way-in allowances to staff of the Ministry of Information, Benue Television, and The Voice Newspaper.
Addressing Dr. Hwande and his team, Comrade Ugber commended the BSUTH management for its consistent innovation and engagement with the media, describing the CMD as “a man with a million innovations who has turned BSUTH into a one-stop medical tourism centre in Nigeria.” He expressed deep appreciation for the hospital’s free medical outreach to journalists, noting that “many journalists rarely undergo medical check-ups, but today, BSUTH has brought healthcare directly to us.”
The NUJ Chairman reaffirmed the union’s readiness to collaborate with both the Ministry of Information and BSUTH in promoting accurate information, public enlightenment, and quality healthcare delivery in Benue State.
He concluded by urging journalists across the state to remain united, professional, and committed to ethical reporting, warning that any attempt to undermine the unity of the NUJ would be strongly resisted.
“We will defend the unity, integrity, and dignity of our union. Together, we will build a formidable NUJ that stands for truth, fairness, and good governance,” he declared.
Signed
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
