The Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Dr. Gyang Bere, on Wednesday received the Trust Campaign Council of Comrade Ayuku Pwaspo, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Union to promote good governance and peaceful coexistence across the state.
Welcoming the delegation led by the Director-General of the Trust Campaign Council, Mrs. Lucy Chindaba, Dr. Bere described Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang as a journalist‑friendly leader who remains committed to improving the welfare of media practitioners and creating a conducive environment for effective journalism in Plateau State.
He said Governor Mutfwang places high premium on the welfare of journalists, recognising that a vibrant and well‑supported media sector is essential for accountability, responsible governance and effective dissemination of information. He assured the delegation that the government would continue to support initiatives aimed at enhancing the NUJ Secretariat and other facilities that contribute to the efficiency of journalists in the state.
According to him, the Mutfwang administration acknowledges the critical role of the media in shaping public narratives, informing citizens about government policies and sensitising communities on issues affecting their wellbeing and development. He added that the Governor remains committed to improving the lives of Plateau citizens through impactful development across all sectors, including support for the legitimate needs of journalists.
Dr. Bere also appreciated journalists for maintaining a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the government, highlighting the NUJ Christmas and Ramadan programmes as important platforms for mobilising citizens towards peaceful coexistence. He said the initiatives have significantly promoted unity, tolerance and understanding among people of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.
He congratulated Comrade Ayuku Pwaspo on her leadership of the NUJ Plateau State Council and commended her efforts to foster unity and strengthen professional bonds among journalists. He encouraged deliberate efforts to unite all members for a stronger and more purposeful Union, wishing the campaign team success ahead of the elections.
Earlier, Mrs. Lucy Chindaba described the visit as a “homecoming,” noting that the office of the Director of Press and Public Affairs remains a key partner in advancing professionalism, responsible journalism and effective communication in Plateau State. She highlighted the historic emergence of Comrade Ayuku Pwaspo as the first woman to lead the NUJ Plateau State Council in 50 years, saying the development has further encouraged women’s participation in the Union’s leadership.
Chindaba formally presented the NUJ Chairman and members of her Executive Council to the DOPPA, describing the engagement as the beginning of a new chapter of collaboration between the Union and the government, particularly in the effective publicity of government programmes and activities.
Responding, Comrade Ayuku Pwaspo appreciated Governor Mutfwang for his support and the cordial relationship between journalists and the government. She appealed for assistance towards completing the NUJ Secretariat Press Hall, the provision of a bus to ease journalists’ mobility, and support for other welfare needs of members.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of the Plateau State Government and the NUJ to strengthening media‑government relations, promoting professionalism, improving journalists’ welfare and ensuring effective dissemination of information on government policies and developmental activities for the benefit of the people.
