From Teryima Ajijah, Jos
The Member, House of Representatives for Pankshin, Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, has said that the persisted insecurities in Nigeria is due to abject poverty, hunger and insecurities in the country.
Hon. Gagdi who is the House Committee Chairman on Navy stated this recently in Jos, during the formal inauguration ceremony of the officials of the Correspondent’s Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council.
Hon. Gagdi who spoke through a lecturer with the Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkinladi, Mr Luka Panpe, noted sadly that, investigations have shown that the main reason for many conflicts in the country is as a result of poverty, hunger and inequality.
The Guest Lecturer said Nigerian security is currently on a fragile stage, adding that insecurities have affected national economy negatively.
Earlier, the newly inaugurated Chairman, Mr Gyang Bere, the Plateau State Correspondent for Daily Sun newspaper revealed that the Correspondent’s Chapel in the state is the only chapel of the NUJ across Nigeria that do not have a bus of its own.
“One of the pressing needs of the Chapel at the moment is lack of a functional vehicle. Plateau Correspondents appear to be the only Chapel in the country that do not have a bus or a vehicle,” he said.
Mr Gyang also reminded the gathering that in 2007, due to lack of a befitting vehicle, seven members of the chapel died in a ghastly road crash while on a tour with the then Governor, Joshua Dariye.
The Correspondent’s Chapel Chairman appealed to the Plateau State Government to prioritise the welfare of practicing journalists in the state.
“I wish to call on government, our partners, friends of the media and indeed the society to protect journalists and make their welfare a priority.
“If we do not protect journalists, our ability to remain informed and make evidence-based decisions would be defeated,” he stressed.
