Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has expressed willingness to assist the Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, to complete and own its permanent secretariat in Umuahia, Abia State.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Thursday, April 2nd, when he received in audience a delegation of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by its Chairman, Comrade Chidi Asonye, in his office.
While assuring the journalists of his administration’s readiness to assist in other critical areas, the Governor encouraged the Union to explore alternative funding strategies, including partnerships and fundraising initiatives.
The Governor, who tasked members of the NUJ to explore self-sustaining options of funding the Union, stressed the need for Journalists to remain independent to carry out their duties professionally without unnecessary influence, saying that if the union gets subvention from the government, it would likely make them lose their independence and integrity.
“I listened to the challenges you read out, the issue of permanent secretariat, that the State is the only State in the Federation where there is no permanent secretariat, and I have noted that.
“From your comments, it does appear that there is one under construction. How far has it gone? Okay, a foundation has been laid. We will take note of that and see how we can help.
“The next one you mentioned is mobility, and then the final one is subvention. Those issues, mobility, we can find a way to assist.
“I am struggling with the subvention request because my understanding is that you are independent of the government. When the government begins to funnel money into you every month, before you know it, you will become an arm of the government. When you do, you will lose your voice.
“I want you to remain independent. I want you to be able to have your voice. That is the only way society can get better.
“You know the saying, who pays the piper dictates the tune. So, there must be a sustainable way of funding yourself.
“We can support you, but I don’t agree that any organ which is not an organ of government should receive subvention,” Gov. Otti stated.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of the Abia State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chidi Asonye, reaffirmed the commitment of journalists in the State to upholding the principles of truth, fairness, and professionalism in the discharge of their duties, assuring that they are committed to partnering with the Governor.
“We remain dedicated partners in your vision for a new Abia, ready to tell the story of progress with accuracy, integrity, and pride,” Comrade Asonye stated.
He noted that the NUJ, and by extension, its members have continued to grapple with conditions that severely limit their capacity to function effectively due to a lack of a permanent secretariat, lack of mobility, and requested the Governor to assist the Union in completing their secretariat that is at the foundation stage, get mobility, as well as get subvention from the government.
“One of our most pressing concerns is the absence of a permanent secretariat for the council. Out of the 37 councils across the federation, Abia is the only council that has no secretariat that we can call our own.
“Your Excellency, we are not only respectfully appealing for your urgent intervention in completing this secretariat, but also urging you to cause this project to be reviewed and upgraded to make its purpose pure.
“Furthermore, we humbly request that the State government extend subvention to the council,” Comrade Asonye stated.
Comrade Asonye commended the Governor for his efforts in Infrastructural development and for changing the narratives in the governance of the State.
“Your Excellency, it is only right that we acknowledge the visible strides your administration has made across the State.
“Your commitment to infrastructural renewal, particularly in building roads, infrastructure, environmental sanitation, education, youth empowerment, and the restoration of order in our cities, among others, has rekindled public confidence in your governance.
“Your unwavering commitment to transparency is closely linked, and your repositioning of Abia as a hub for enterprise has not gone unnoticed.
Indeed, your leadership is gradually redefining the narratives of our State,” Comrade Asonye stated.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, and other media aids to the Governor were present at the visit.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
April 2nd, 2026.
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