Mr Solomon Iorpev addressing members of the NUJ. Next to him is the State Chairperson of NAWOJ Elizabeth Achagh and Comrade Bemdoo Ugber
The administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia has plans to revive all moribund industries in the State.
This disclosure was made by the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Mr Solomon Iorpev when he received members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Benue Council in his office on Tuesday.
The Technical Adviser said the Governor was determined to change the sad narratives of Benue’s underdevelopment and was making huge commitment in agriculture and other sectors.
Mr Iorpev while interacting with members of the NUJ said, “during the last summit we attended, the Governor gave us a direction. He entered into agricultural agreement worth a hundred million dollars for six major contracts. The people are coming here and all the moribund industries are going to be revived”.
“What the Alia administration has done in less than two years is more than the 16 years of the previous administrations put together”
“Let us make conscious efforts to report on these things” he said.
The TA who also expressed gladness with the honour the NUJ gave him to settle their long standing dispute acknowledged, “You all made it happen because a man can only be settled who want to be settled. A man can only agree to resolution of a crisis when he has the heart to”.
“I return all the praise and glory first to almighty God and my Principal, Governor Hyacinth Alia. The moment this crisis was resolved, His Excellency sent me a glowing text message and said, ‘TA I am elated to hear that finally this impasse is over’
“I am excited that by the mercies of God we have come to the point where we are. I pray that we will not take this peace for granted so we won’t allow it to happen again.
Mr Iorpev who further appealed to the Union to make efforts towards regaining their integrity by purging the profession of quacks said, ” Let us sanitize the media space. We need to consciously redefine who gets in. Let us not allow hoodlums to occupy the media “
“Henceforth, issues of the media will be channeled through the NUJ. The more united, the stronger you are and the more people respect you.
“Everybody needs you but it depends on how you play your cards. You are considered responsible for building the society so don’t cheapen yourselves, desperation make people undermine you”, he warned.
The Technical Adviser appealed to citizens of the State to be patient with the Governor even as he expressed confidence that the governor will deliver on all promises.
He promised to celebrate the NUJ peace with a Media Dinner before the year ends, assist towards the Union’s Triennial Delegates Conference and to continue to push for the independent media practitioners in the State to help them keep their businesses afloat among other demands and solicited the support of the NUJ in publicizing the activities of government.
Earlier in his address, the Benue State Council Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, said the visit was to thank the TA for facilitating the return of peace and unity to the Union in the State, creating an enabling environment for a hitch-free election and to introduce members of the constituted exco to him.
Comrade Ugber however appealed for more assistance to the Union by facilitating the payment of Weigh- in allowance to all deserving members, provision of a vehicle and the release of the bus in Police custody as well as provide funds to enable them travel for the national elections of the union.
