This was contained in its communique issued at the end of congress held on March 26, 2025, Asaba.
Find attached below a copy of the communique:
*COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE CONGRESS OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ), DELTA STATE COUNCIL, HELD ON MARCH 26, 2025, AT THE NUJ PRESS CENTRE, MARYAM BABANGIDA WAY, ASABA.*
The Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, convened its monthly Congress on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, which was presided over by its Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, to deliberate on pressing issues affecting the state and nation.
Following extensive discussions, the Congress examined critical concerns, including infrastructure development, security, agriculture, the rising cost of transportation, housing and civil service reforms; among others.
Resolutions:
1. Congress commends Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his administration’s significant strides in infrastructural development, particularly in road construction and rehabilitation, which have greatly enhanced connectivity and economic growth in the state.
2. Congress lauds Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his efforts in reforming the civil service, particularly in addressing the long-standing issue of age falsification by civil servants, exposing those involved.
3. The NUJ, Delta State Council, affirms its support for the passage of the Power Reform Bill by the Delta State House of Assembly, which is currently awaiting the governor’s assent. The Congress emphasized that signing the bill into law would mark a significant milestone in deregulating the power sector for enhanced benefits to the citizenry.
4. Congress urges the government at all levels to declare a state of emergency on hunger, considering the high cost of living and inflation, which have made it difficult for many Nigerians to afford adequate meals for themselves and their families. Some Nigerians are practically begging to feed in spite of the nation's abundant green pastures and natural resources.
5. The Union calls on the government to support farmers through incentives, grants, and seedlings to boost food production. Additionally, it urges the provision of adequate security for farmers to enable them access their farmlands without apprehension and increase food production.
6. Congress calls on the Delta State Government to activate the implementation of the anti-grazing law to curb farmer-herder clashes across the state, citing Uwheru in Ughelli North Local Government Area and other communities in the state, with a record of incessant attacks leading to the loss of lives and property. It emphasises the need for collective action involving traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies to safeguard farmlands, communities, and residents from herders attacks.
7. Congress urges the state government and security agencies to take decisive action against the rising spate of kidnappings and other crimes across the state to safeguard lives and property.
8. Congress appeals to the state government to engage stakeholders in the transportation sector, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and the Commercial Motorcycles and Tricycle Operators Association of Nigeria (COMTOA), to ensure a reduction in Internal and external transportation fares. The Union notes with concern that despite the recent reduction in fuel prices, transport fares remain unreasonably high, blaming it on the primary cause of the high cost of other products.
9. The Union urges the Delta State Government to introduce regulatory measures in the housing sector to address the escalating cost of rent. Congress also calls for action against exploitative practices by house agents who impose exorbitant charges under the guise of "total package" fees.
10. Congress calls on the state government to construct low-cost housing across the state to help mitigate the high cost of rent.
11. Congress commends Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his efforts in resettling the people of Okuama community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area, following the military invasion. However, the Union appeals for additional support to improve the lives of affected residents. Furthermore, it urges the military authorities to either release those detained or charge them to court in accordance with the Law and Constitution of Nigeria.
12. The Union expresses the hope that the governor will soon interact with the media to further highlight his achievements in line with his MORE Agenda.
13. The Congress appreciates the Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Delta State, Sir Festus Ahon, and a distinguished Elder/Veteran Journalists, Asiwaju Sola Adebayo for their continued support to the Council.
*Signed:
Churchill Oyowe, Chairman
Victor Sorokwu, Secretary
Communiqué Drafting Committee
1. Comrade Pere Botu – Chairman
2. Comrade Giovanni Emephia – Secretary
3. Comrade Dorathy Mbasen – Member*