Gov Bala reassures Bauchi journalists of upgraded secretariat, press centre

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammad, has reassured members of the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), that his administration will definitely reconstruct and upgrade the secretariat/press centre to a modern one before May 2027.

The Governor gave the assurance while responding to the request by the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Umar Sa’idu, during the Ramadan fast break organised by the state government for journalists at the Government House, Bauchi.

Recall that in 2021, the governor had promised to reconstruct and upgrade the NUJ Secretariat along Ahmad Bello Way, a promise that has not been fulfilled.

But, during the fast-breaking meeting, he was reminded and, therefore, reassured that he would not disappoint his constituents, being a seasoned journalist himself in Nigeria, before venturing into civil service and later politics.

Bala said, “NUJ Chairman, I’m fully aware of the promise I made of upgrading your secretariat and, insha Allah, I will not disappoint you, since this is my constituency, we will do it before the end of my administration.”

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Speaking earlier, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Umar Saidu, appreciated the Governor for giving approval of the project as well as assigning the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Aminu Hammayo, to supervise the project and ensure its execution and completion.

The NUJ Chairman, however, noted with concern how men of the underworld are frequently gaining entrance into the secretariat due to the low height of the perimeter fencing, as they have vandalised the stand by the generator last year.

He commended the governor for adopting inclusive governance, especially in bringing the former governors together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the old Bauchi State.

Saidu also commended him for allowing free hand to the state-owned media houses to air programmes of the opposition parties and urged LG chairmen to emulate the Governor in trying to promote democracy in the state.

He then condoled with the governor over the unfortunate banditry activities in Alkali LGA and promised to support the state government in trying to protect the lives and properties of citizens in the state.

Saidu appreciated the concern and support of the governor towards some journalists who were involved in a motor accident while covering the commissioning of NEDC projects in the state.