NUJ Tasks Kaduna Govt On Urban Security,Urges Faster Road Works

The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the state government to maintain the momentum of its recently launched Taskforce against urban crime, warning that persistent criminal activities continue to endanger residents, journalists, and the state’s fragile economy.

Rising from its monthly congress held Monday at the NUJ Secretariat, the union emphasized the need to properly strengthen and equip the Taskforce to effectively secure known flashpoints across the Kaduna metropolis and other high-risk areas.

In a communiqué signed by Chairman Usman Sani, Secretary Ango Bally, and member Lola Seriki-Idahosa, the NUJ expressed concern that many communities remain unsafe, forcing residents and businesses to alter routines due to fear of attacks.

Presided over by Council Chairman Alhaji AbdulGafar Alabelewe, the meeting also urged the state government to accelerate the completion of key road projects across the state. It noted that the poor state of roads not only hampers economic activities but also worsens security challenges by isolating communities and delaying emergency response.

Roads highlighted for immediate intervention include Kabala Costain–Nuhu Aliyu Road (Barnawa), Television Garage–Sabon Tasha, Sabon Tasha–Unguwan Gimbiya–Juji Road, Kakuri–Nasarawa, and Kabala West–Hayin Nariya Road.

Addressing broader social issues, the NUJ urged Governor Uba Sani to revisit and strengthen the Almajiri and Tsangaya education policies of past administrations as a strategic measure to reduce the number of out-of-school children and street beggars.

The union identified poverty, lack of access to education, and social exclusion as key contributors to the crisis and called for the expansion of school enrolment drives and livelihood support programmes for vulnerable families.

Despite the challenges, the union commended the improved working relationship between the Kaduna State Government and the media, describing it as a positive development for democracy and good governance. It urged continued collaboration to consolidate on existing gains.

The NUJ also congratulated Governor Uba Sani on his recent conferment with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). Similar recognition was extended to former military governor of Kaduna, Colonel Dangiwa Umar (rtd), hailed as a “Soldier of Democracy,” and Senator Shehu Sani. The union noted that the honours reflect their significant contributions to democratic development and national progress.

The journalists also applauded the State Government for successfully hosting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June, during which he commissioned landmark projects marking Governor Sani’s two years in office. These included the new 300-bed Specialist Hospital at Millennium City, three Skills Acquisition and Technology Centres spread across Igabi, Zangon Kataf and Soba local governments, deployment of CNG vehicles and several newly completed road projects.

Internally, the congress constituted an Ethics and Disciplinary Committee to enforce professional standards, a Press Centre Management Committee to oversee the Secretariat and Council property, a Credentials Committee to conduct a bye-election for the vacant position of Treasurer, and an Expanded Welfare Committee to strengthen support systems for members.

The council further encouraged members to pay their professional fees and check-off dues promptly to aid the smooth running of Union activities at the chapel, state and national levels.

Meanwhile, the Congress was briefed on intensified efforts by the NUJ National Secretariat to secure the accreditation of the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) programme by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and its formal affiliation with the University of Maiduguri.

Reaffirming its core mandate, the NUJ pledged to continue championing ethical journalism, protecting the rights of practitioners, and advocating policies that safeguard press freedom and drive sustainable development across Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.