The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has expressed commitment to partner with the FCT Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on infrastructural development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This was disclosed when the FCT NUJ chairperson, Ms Grace Ike, led her executive team on a courtesy visit to the AMMC Coordinator, Chief Felix Amechi Obuah, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Chief Obuah while welcoming members of the NUJ FCT, xpressed his readiness to collaborate with the Council having recognised the vital role the media play in informing the public of activities of the AMMC, which is helping the agency to ensure full compliance with the FCT master plan.
“I welcome you and your team to our corporate office today. I have listened to you and I just have to say that, I am indeed very happy to partner with the NUJ FCT. We need to partner together to be able to achieve our core and corporate mandate. And in partnering together, we support each other and grow together and educate the public so as to attain infrastructural development in the FCT in line with the master plan of the nation’s capital city,” Obuah said.
While expressing his willingness to support the NUJ FCT Council, Chief Obuah explained that current financial constraints make it difficult to make any immediate commitment, but he hoped to accommodate the union’s needs in his agency’s next budget.
“Even though I am a bit handicapped to make any promises because of budgetary constraints. But in the subsequent budget, I assure you that whatever we can do to help your dream come true for NUJ and your members, the agency will do everything humanly possible to contribute their quota to the growth of the union in line with the FCT master plan.”
He also added, “You can write my office on what you feel we can do officially. I will also present it in the next budget and I will go to my superior, the Honourable Minister of FCT, and say these people visited me and came with a very solid, verified programme—how do we assist? Because whatever we are doing, with the media, the public would know and be able to key into it.”
He said the media plays a very vital role in the growth and development of any organisation.
Dr Obuah used the occasion to congratulate the first female chairperson of the union in FCT after forty years of its existence and prayed for a successful tenure.
Earlier, chairperson of the NUJ FCT, Ms Ike, thanked Chief Obuah for receiving her team and commended the AMMC Coordinator for the effective management and coordination of municipal services as well as infrastructural development in the Federal Capital Territory.
She used the occasion to commend his support for workers’ welfare which earned him the ‘Employees’ Advocate of the Year’ award
She said “I must commend your leadership efforts in ensuring proper maintenance and sustainable management of the city’s infrastructure, utilities, and services.”
She highlighted major infrastructural challenges currently facing the NUJ FCT Council secretariat and requested support to improve their facilities such as the completion of the pentagon building, and a hall that cannot house more than 2,000 journalists during their monthly congress.
She also made a strong case for the NUJ FCT ‘Journalists’ Village’, which would offer journalists affordable housing and a suitable environment to carry out their work.
She said, “On behalf of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Federal Capital Territory Council, I express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment to the welfare of workers, including media professionals. Your kind gestures and support have not gone unnoticed and have greatly encouraged us in our mission.
“Today, we come with a sincere appeal for your support towards the establishment of a Journalists’ Village here in the FCT. This initiative is vital for providing affordable housing, professional facilities, and a conducive environment that will enhance the welfare and productivity of journalists who play a critical role in our democracy.
“We believe that with the AMMC’s collaboration, we can secure the necessary resources, land, and policy backing to bring this vision to fruition. Such a village will not only improve the living standards of journalists but also serve as a hub for capacity building, relaxation, and professional growth.”
“We appreciate your past efforts and hope to count on your continued partnership to make this project a reality, thereby restoring dignity and stability to journalists who tirelessly serve the public interest,” she added.
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