Leading governorship contender in Benue State Prof. Terhemba Shija has commended the immense support he has enjoyed from journalists in Benue State and all over Nigeria over the years, even before his current attempt at governing the State. Shija who is candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) spoke through a statement by Samuel Adzegeh, his Special Adviser (Media), said that as a veteran journalist himself, he appreciates the challenges and the thankless nature of the profession, noting that usually, politicians were quick to forget journalists who labored tirelessly to project them into office. Adzegeh's statement quoted Shija as saying, "As a former reporter with Radio Benue who, by His grace rose to be Information Commissioner in the State, I quite understand the challenges of the job especially in a State like ours. It has never been easy for practising journalists here, especially now under an administration that does not understand the workings of the job nor appreciates sacrifices made by professionals in the field." Shija recalled with nostalgia the golden era of journalism practice in the State, regretting that local media houses like Radio Benue and The Voice newspaper which had been at their optimal best throughout the 1990s, have been left to decay. Lamenting the neglect and gradual collapse of media establishments in Benue State, Shija said, "It may be difficult for many to imagine or believe, but The Voice newspaper used to be reviewed daily on the 7 o'clock bulletin of the national nerwork news of Radio Nigeria. The newspaper, which was then a daily, was eagerly awaited in Lagos when the State's transport fleet Benue Links would convey copies of the publication to the city." Shija decried the dismal conditions of government owned media establishments in the State, saying, "I took a walk to Radio Benue the other day and I could hardly recognize a place where I cut my teeth as a journalist. The place was in utter disrepair and the station was off air, a situation I was informed was a daily occurrence because of lack of diesel to run its power plant; this is shameful and unacceptable," Shija said. He promised to prioritize the total overhaul of the entire information architecture of the State, pointing out that, "In this jet age of information explosion, Benue must upgrade its information paraphernalia in accordance to the latest trend as this is the quickest and cheapest way to convey government policies and pronouncements to the people while getting essential feed back so crucial to its performance." Shija stressed that updating of equipment must of necessity be complemented by recruitment and retraining of professionals in relevant fields to ensure the return of the state to its golden era of media/journalism practice and noted that these must in turn be complemented by staff welfare. He commended the explosion of private prind and radio establishments in the State, noting that media entrepreneurs deserve government support to ensure that they can through their activities stimulate the state's economy at the grassroots.

Posted: 3weeks ago

Author: Editor in Chief

Current date: 18 October 2026