Borno NUJ Partners Socio-Cultural Organisations To Foster Peace

The Borno State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has pledged to partner with various socio-cultural organizations to foster peace and harmony in the state.

The State Chairman of the union, Dauda Iliya, made the announcement during a visit by the Executive members of the Kwaya Kusar Development Association (KKDA), to the union's office in Maiduguri, the state's capital.

Expressing his delight with the visit on Monday, Iliya acknowledged the Association's efforts in strengthening the bonds among Kwaya residents in Maiduguri through regular meetings and social activities. 

Being an indigene of Kwaya Kusar's Gusi/Bila ward, Iliya highlighted the area's rich cultural heritage which he stressed, deserved global recognition through media representation.

Drawing attention to the relative peace in Kwaya compared to other local governments affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, the NUJ Chairman emphasized the importance of instilling positive values in the younger generation.

Chairman of the Association, Malam Abdu Yunusa, explained that the Association was established four decades ago.

He added that it was aimed at uniting the people of the area. 

He said their visit was to felicitate with the NUJ Chairman and seek the support of the media in promoting activities of the area particularly sociocultural events.

He expressed gratitude for the warm reception and presented a congratulatory letter to Iliya on behalf of the Association. 

Meanwhile, the Rise to Inspire Africa Initiative, a non-governmental organization (NGO), also paid a courtesy visit to the NUJ leadership. 

The Executive Director of the organization, Stephen Oladipo shared that their organization was currently implementing an edu-tech project across 30 states.

Oladipo emphasized the need for increased funding in education, suggesting a minimum allocation of 20% of the budget, enhanced teacher training, and the provision of safe learning environments for children. 

Seeking the collaboration of the NUJ, Oladipo said the organization aimed to improve school enrollment rates through their project.

Responding to the NGO's request, Iliya assured them of the NUJ's support in reducing the number of out-of-school children in Borno State.