FIC Report (Benue State) – The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda represented by State APC Chairman Mr. Benjamin Omale has called on journalists across Benue State and the country to remain steadfast in upholding the ethics of journalism, promoting national unity, and strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
He made the call on Thursday 27th November 2025 at Nnam Hall complex in Makurdi, while delivering a keynote lecture at the 2025 Benue State Journalists’ Week, themed “Strengthening Journalism for Democracy, Development, and National Cohesion.”
In his address, the APC Chairman described the media as the *“oxygen of democracy noting that an informed citizenry, an accountable leadership, and a progressive national discourse depend heavily on the work of ethical and independent journalists. He commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, for its commitment to professional development and continuous engagement with national issues.
Highlighting the pressures facing journalism—including misinformation, digital disruption, insecurity, and commercial constraints—he emphasized the need for media practitioners to embrace fact-checking, digital literacy, and data-driven reporting to maintain credibility in the digital age.
Speaking on the role of Benue journalists, he stated that they hold a unique responsibility in telling the Benue story with fairness, depth, and truth, adding that their work is essential to shaping policy and fostering development across agriculture, rural development, health, and governance.
The APC Chairman warned against partisan or sensational journalism, stressing that while the government must accept criticism, such criticism must be rooted in verified facts. According to him, “When the press loses objectivity, the nation loses direction.”
He reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to a media environment where freedom is protected and professional responsibility is upheld.
In his message to journalists, he urged them to remain faithful to the ethics of the profession, be fearless but fair, embrace technology responsibly, and use their platforms to promote peace, justice, and national unity.
The Chairman congratulated the NUJ chairman, comrade Bemdoo Ugber and all journalists in Benue State on the successful hosting of the 2025 Journalists’ Week and encouraged them to continue contributing to national developmentg through responsible and patriotic reporting.
Signed
Bridget Udoo Tarker
For Head of centre
FIC Makurdi
