Say No To Alternative Truths, Alia Tells NUJ

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has counseled Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Benue State Council on the need to professionally work unlike other members of the public involved in the business of communicating information to the society. He counseled journalists at the launch and distribution of the improved variety of the oil palm seedlings, known also as terena in the premises of the union in Makurdi.

Explaining that, every stand planted by media practitioners would "feed industries, provide jobs for youth and generate wealth to take care of their families as well as impact positively on the state and the country's economy very soon, he urged them to embrace factual reportage of activities for the government. 

He said "I urge you to use your pens, cameras and smart phones to carry not just the challenges of the state but also the progress we make everyday for our people." He insisted that the government would never look back.but continue with the good work. Alia stated that, he enjoyed reading, especially the print media but lamented what he described as the changing narratives that significantly injured efforts of developing the state! 

He disclosed "I discover that there is a distance from the truth, a lot of writers and the people are moving to the alternative truth." According to him "alternative truth is the common way of telling lies." The Governor continued "there is just one truth, sincere objective, a transparent and accountable truth." 

On this note, Governor Alia urged members of the union to devote time for good news about the development his government has brought concerning "the new roads construction, classroom renovations, empowerment of farmers and many more."

 He continued that people who celebrated progress attracted greater opportunities for their communities. 

He urged the media to criticize government constructively and that since he represented development, the useful advice would to be taken for the purpose of raising his administration's performance higher.

The clergy Governor said "today I am not here as a Governor, but partner to the media to accelerate progress by planting the seeds of a brighter Benue." He stated that the gathering symbolized talking about development because his government used the past two years to execute projects for enjoyment of life. 

According to the Governor, the realities of the life enjoying facilities existed and that more of the projects would be done. He equally said, it was a matter of time to unveil those already completed. 

The Governor continued that since development without sustenance never empowered the future, the launch of the Benue Alia Palm Project with large number of the palm stands would drive the media practitioners economy to see the seedlings as newsroom for development.

To facilitate the process of carrying oversight function by the media as required, Alia donated an eighteen seater bus, undertook to immediately renovate the union's house and pay weigh-in allowances as soon as a new State Executive Council got inaugurated.

In his address, Chairman of the Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber acknowledged efforts of the administration to provide the life enjoying projects and urged to work without looking back as journalists in the state were happy with the trends. 

Ugber said "today's event is far more than a symbolic presentation. It is indeed a bold step in planting the seeds of wealth creation, food security and agricultural diversification in the hands of those whose duty it is to inform, educate and hold leaders accountable. You have not only acknowledged the relevance of the press but empowered it."