NUJ Calls For Privatization Of Ebonyi Pipe Factory
Onyekachi Nnabu
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council has called on the Ebonyi State government to privatise the Pipe production factory in the state.
The Union described the scholarship scheme as a laudable initiative that would positively impact on the overall growth and development of Ebonyi State.
The body noted that revitalisation of the State pipe production factor was a bold step towards the industrialization of the State.
In a communique issued after the state Congress of the Union, the Council’s chairman, Samson Nwafor further lauded the scholarship scheme initiated by the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru through which 204 Ebonyi youths got scholarship for postgraduate studies abroad and 541 others enjoying same post graduate scholarship within the country.
“Congress commended the human capital development drive of Ebonyi State Government under His Excellency, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, through which 204 Ebonyi youths got scholarship for postgraduate studies abroad and 541 others enjoying same post graduate scholarship within the country. Congress described the scholarship scheme as a laudable initiative that would positively impact on the overall growth and development of Ebonyi State.
“Congress also commended Ebonyi State government for constructing new roads and rehabilitating the existing ones within the Abakaliki capital city and urged the government to sustain the tempo, by further opening up the capital city, through construction of more new street roads.
“Congress lauded Ebonyi State government for reviving the State’s pipe production factory, describing it as a bold step towards the industrialization of the State, but urged the government to consider giving the factory to a private company to manage on Public-Private Partnership basis, because Congress believes that government is not a good manager of business,” the Union said.
The Union also noted with concern the incessant cases of road accidents involving tankers and called on the State government and relevant authorities to initiate measures to save the State from such disaster.
It further decried high cost of living in the State and urged the state government to checkmate the activities of Traders, Tricyclists, Okada Riders, Landlords and House Agents,etc, identified to be contributing to the ugly situation.
“Congress noted with serious concern the incessant cases of road mishap involving tankers carrying inflammable products across the country which have caused explosions that led to the loss of many lives in recent time, and called on Ebonyi State government and other relevant agencies in the State to synergize and come up with urgent measures that would keep the State safe from such disaster; even if it entails banning movement of vehicles/tankers carrying inflammable products in the day time across the State.
“Congress expresses worry over the rising cost of living in Ebonyi State, including high cost of food items (despite being the food basket of the South-East region), transportation and Housing, etc; and urged the government to rise against the ugly situation by instituting a price control mechanism to check the operations of Traders, Motorists, Tricyclists, Okada Riders, Landlords and House Agents, etc, who are deliberately adding to the sufferings of the citizens”, NUJ noted.
The Union also commended her members for their high level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties and urged them to continue to uphold the tenets of journalism, as the Council was committed to their wellbeing and protection of their constitutional rights as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, but warned them against indulging in sensational or junk journalism.
It congratulated Comrade Andy Nwogha who emerged as SWAN Chairman and members of his Executive as well as Comrade Uchenna Inya who emerged as Correspondents’ Chapel Chairman and members of his executive in the recent elections conducted by the bodies in the State.
