By JIDAUNA DARING
The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, has been applauded for introducing an annual cultural day celebration to showcase the rich and diverse cultural heritage of its members.
Technical Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Water, Dr Jurbe Godep, gave the commendation during the event held recently at the NUJ Secretariat in Jos as part of activities marking this year’s Press Week.
Dr Godep lauded journalists for consistently projecting the image of Plateau State positively through their content creation and urged them to sustain the tempo.
He further called on members of the profession to deepen their reportage on the water sector, especially by advocating for access to safe drinking water in hard-to-reach communities across the state.
According to him, “Journalists are partners in progress and should help to create awareness on water-related issues because, as we all know, water is life.”
Former NUJ State Council Chairman, Barrister Sunday Gye, also spoke at the occasion, advising journalists to always uphold the ethics of the profession as agenda setters for society.
Earlier, in her welcome remarks, the Chairman of the Plateau State Council of the NUJ, Mrs Ayuku Pwaspo, expressed delight at hosting the second edition of the celebration.
“As journalists, our duty is to guide society on the path of peace and progress. We have set aside today to show our unity in diversity,” she stated.
Mrs Pwaspo urged members of the Union to sustain their reportage on culture, traditions and local cuisines, particularly in an era of rapid global change.
She explained that this year’s celebration was organised along the state’s three senatorial districts to encourage full participation by all members.
“But most importantly,” she added, “the event was set aside for journalists to relax and socialise after a week of activities marking this year’s Press Week.”
Mrs Pwaspo also called on journalists to rededicate themselves to their noble role of providing quality information to the people and driving the change needed to improve the lives of citizens.
“I urge you all to support the policies and programmes of governments at all levels while also highlighting the ills of society to draw the attention of policymakers,” she stated.
In separeat interviews with THE NIGERIA STANDARD, some journalists expressed joy with the initiative, noting that the annual event would serve as a platform for them to celebrate diversity and reflect on the importance of culture in promoting unity.
Highlights of the event included displays of cultural dances, traditional attire and a rich variety of local cuisines.