The Borno State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has expressed concern over environmental issues in the state, particularly blocked drainages in major towns and urged for action by authorities concern.
The call is contained in a 13-Points Communique issued at the end of Saturday Congress of the union in Maiduguri chaired by the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Iliya Dauda.
The communique signed by the Chairman of Communique Committee, Inusa Ndahi and two other members (Abatcha Musa and Maryam Zannah Gambo) also expressed concern over high rate of criminal activities among youths.
“The Congress has expressed concern over the environmental issues arising from blocked drainages, leading to erosion and degradation; thereby called on the government to take appropriate measures to address this problem.
“Congress has also expressed concern about the high rate of criminal activities among youths, such as increasing cases of rape and other forms of sexual violence. They are calling on the security agencies, government, parents, and guardians to fulfill their responsibilities in addressing this issue.
“Official letter be written to Head of Service Borno State to ensure NUJ is recognized as a professional body. e.g BRTV/Information Chapel professional colleagues who were neglected from their civic rights.
“The Congress has raised serious concerns about Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who have resorted to begging on the streets; calling on the State Government to provide proper care for their needs.
“The Congress has also drawn attention to the issue of frequent power outages at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and other health institutions; the Congress has to that effect call on the government and the management of the Yola Electricity Distribution Company to take action to address these life-threatening challenges.
“The Congress Appreciated Borno State Government, UNIMAID, and other Organizations/ ministries for appointing some members of the UNION, for example our Chairman, Comrade Dauda Iliya, and host of others as member (s) of various Committees in the state.
“Congress unanimously agreed to appoint a new Patron of the Union in Borno state following the vacuum created by the demise of the former Patron Late Dr Zannah Bukar Umaru Mandara, the Zannah Dujima of Borno,” the communique read in part.
