FIC Report (Benue State) – The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the concerns and welfare of journalists in the state and strengthening government–media relations for effective information dissemination.
Governor Alia made this known on Tuesday, 14th October 2025, during a special congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, held at the NUJ Secretariat, Makurdi. The Governor was represented at the event by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Peter Egbodo.
Dr. Egbodo commended the NUJ for its professionalism and dedication to duty, assuring members that all issues raised by the Union, including the inclusion of private media practitioners in government activities, the diversion of political privileges, and the payment of weigh-in allowances, would soon be addressed.
The Commissioner highlighted several achievements of the Alia-led administration, such as:
The construction of roads within Makurdi metropolis and across various local government areas,
Installation of streetlights in major towns,
Award of scholarships to 44 students for higher studies,
ICT training for 10,000 youths across the state, and
The distribution of 9,000 metric tons of fertilizer to farmers to boost agricultural productivity.
He reiterated the Governor’s determination to continue implementing projects that will improve the living standards of Benue citizens and transform the state for sustainable development.
In his remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, welcomed and thanked the Commissioner and the CMD for their visit and partnership with the media. He reiterated the Union’s outstanding requests to government, including the renovation of the NUJ Secretariat and the payment of allowances to journalists in state-owned media organisations such as Benue Television, The Voice Newspaper, and the Ministry of Information.
Signed
BRIDGET TARKER
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
