The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has urged the Delta State Government to urgently establish permanent Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across the state’s three senatorial districts to address the annual flood crisis. The council emphasized the need for enhanced relief material distribution and ongoing awareness campaigns in flood-prone areas to better support vulnerable residents.
The appeal was made in a communique released after the NUJ congress at the Press Centre on Maryam Babangida Way, Asaba, on October 29, 2024. Delta NUJ Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, who presided over the meeting, stressed that permanent IDP camps would offer displaced residents consistent refuge and improve disaster response in Delta State.
In light of the economic hardships facing residents, Delta NUJ also called on the state government to designate civil servants’ free days specifically for farming activities to enhance food security. The union urged the government to introduce a special farming scheme for civil servants, which could alleviate food scarcity and stimulate local agricultural growth.
Delta NUJ further highlighted the housing challenges in the state, noting the pressing need for regulation of touts acting as housing agents. According to the communique, these individuals are driving up rent prices, further straining the financial stability of Delta State residents.
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The communique additionally urged the state government to address safety hazards on roads within Asaba, particularly the issue of missing or damaged concrete slabs and open manholes, which pose serious risks to motorists and pedestrians. Resolving this would not only prevent accidents but also foster a safer environment in the state’s capital.
Delta NUJ also expressed concerns over transport costs, blaming rising fares on task force activities that target tricycle operators. These levies, the union stated, are burdening already struggling citizens and require state intervention to prevent fare hikes.
To attract investment and stabilize the local economy, Delta NUJ appealed for full enforcement of existing laws, including the Public and Private Properties Protection Law (2018) and the Anti-Open Grazing Law (2021). Proper enforcement, they argued, would encourage investments and establish a more stable and secure environment across the state.
The communique was signed by NUJ Delta Council Chairman Churchill Oyowe, Secretary Victor Sorokwu, and members of the Communique Drafting Committee, including Aiwerie Okungbowa (Chairman), Andy Emephia (Secretary), and Barth Inneh-Ozah.
