The Sokoto State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to adopt a transparent and accountable system in distributing relief materials provided by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to victims of the recent boat tragedy in the state.
The appeal was contained in a 20-point communiqué issued at the end of the union’s congress on Saturday. The NUJ emphasized that aid must get directly to the genuine victims of the mishap, which claimed several lives, while also extending sympathy to the bereaved families.
The union commended the Sokoto State Government for its swift intervention and preventive measures in response to the incident.
Beyond humanitarian concerns, the NUJ addressed economic challenges, urging the state government to reduce prices of goods at Kantin Sauki outlets to reflect the recent decline in food and essential commodity prices.
On environmental management, the union pressed for the creation of additional refuse dump sites, strict enforcement of sanitation laws, decisive action against indiscriminate tree felling, and stronger community involvement in promoting cleanliness.
Security also featured prominently in the discussions, with the union tasking government and security agencies to intensify operations against banditry.
It further demanded that subsidized fertilizers and other farm inputs be delivered directly to farmers, without the interference of middlemen.
The NUJ commended the State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, for fostering cordial relations with the union and delivering a lecture on the role of communities and social media in strengthening security management.
The communiqué was signed by the council chairman, Usman Muhammad Binji, and secretary, Muhammad Nasiru Bello.
