AbdulRazaq Approves N17.7m For Renovation Of Kwara NUJ Secretariat

By Steve Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has approved the renovation of the Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council’s Secretariat Complex to the tune of N17,760,881.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, disclosed the cheering news to the leadership of the State Council of NUJ.

The renovation, which is expected to be completed within three months, would cover Roof and Ceiling Works, Masonry Works and Wall Maintenance, Mechanical/Drainage Works, Electrical Maintenance, Metal Work/Entrance Slabs, Window Fixed Light Maintenance, Painting works and Post Construction Cleaning, among others.

The State Governor had on January 21, 2020 paid an unscheduled historic visit to the secretariat following a ‘save our soul’ message to him by the leadership of the Council, with a promise to assist the Council.

The leadership of the Union in the state had cried out over the deplorable state of its State Secretariat which is at the brinks of collapse.

His visit was followed by series of inspections by officials of the State Ministry of Works, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, and experts from private firms to assess the level of structural defects following which recommendations were made.

The secretariat, situated along Offa Road, Ilorin, is housing office accommodation, conference hall, chalets, generator house and restaurants, was handed over to the Council by the state government in September 2013 as compensation for the revocation of the Union’s former Secretariat on which the state banquet hall is now situated.

According to a statement issued by the Council’s Chairman, Mallam Umar Abdulwahab, and the Secretary, Dcn. Omotayo Ayanda, the Secretariat has continued experiencing various structural defects, including cracked walls, leaking roofs, resulting in damages of computer sets and office furniture and fittings.

It also added that erosion has caused serious damages to the interlocking in the secretariat, thereby posing serious threats to the entire structure.

The statement appreciated the governor for fulfilling his promise and providing an enabling environment for Journalists in the State.

The Union recalled that the State Government organised training for Journalists covering the outbreak of COVID-19 and as well, provided palliatives, face masks, and hand sanitizers to ensure safety of Journalists in the State.

The Governor had also in February this year supported the Union to successfully host the NUJ National President, Chief Chris Isiguzo, and his team during his official visit to Kwara State.