Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu, has challenged the Niger State government on the full implementation of the just-signed 2024 budget, which provided for over N7 billion to revamp the state media houses.
Comrade Abu, who made this known while speaking to journalists on his New Year massage at IBB Pen House in Minna, expressed concern over the attitude of the Northern government and governors towards the media and its practitioners, urging them to emulate their Southern counterparts, who meticulously create good images through the media.
He urged the media and its practitioners to keep hope alive despite the daunting challenges of list pay and deprivation; hence, they should not be deterred by the current situation when exhibiting professionalism and a code of ethics in carrying out their duties.
He called on Nigerian leaders to be responsive to the yearning and aspirations of the common man through empathy by responding to the immediate needs of the vulnerable groups in society.
He stated that citizens deserved more from the government than the current situation by providing temporary and permanent solutions to the present economic hardship experienced by Nigerians.
Comrade Nmodu emphasised the need to embark on development that has a direct bearing on the immediate problems of the people through the deliberate efforts of engaging young Nigerians in productive ventures to enable them to create wealth for themselves.
According to him, leaders should have the fear of God and be modest in their dealings, while commending Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for raising awareness of the green economy and leading an agricultural revolution in Niger State.