The South-East Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone C, has called on the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) and governors in the region to intensify efforts towards addressing the infrastructural, security and environmental challenges confronting the geopolitical zone.
The council urged the SEDC to fully activate its mandate by effectively deploying available budgetary resources and leveraging the economic potential of the region to accelerate development and address critical infrastructure deficits.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the council's meeting held at Golphin Hotel, Awka, Anambra State, and presided over by the NUJ South-East Vice President, Comrade Ezenwa Adiuku.
The meeting was attended by chairmen and secretaries of the five NUJ state councils in the South-East.
The council also charged the South-East Governors Forum to strengthen inter-state collaboration and pursue a more coordinated development agenda capable of attracting federal intervention, private investment and support from development partners.
On security, the NUJ ZEC urged the governors to deepen collaboration with relevant security agencies and stakeholders to address security challenges confronting communities across the region.
It said sustained cooperation among the states was necessary to complement existing security measures and create a safer environment for residents, businesses and investors.
The journalists' body further called on the state governments to prioritise the rehabilitation of internal road networks, stressing that functional rural and intra-state roads would ease pressure on major highways, improve connectivity and facilitate economic activities.
The council also expressed concern over the persistent erosion menace in several parts of the South-East, urging governments at all levels to urgently commit adequate funds and implement sustainable measures to check the degradation of the environment.
It called for greater attention to erosion control, drainage infrastructure and other environmental interventions to prevent further damage to communities, roads, farmlands and public infrastructure.
The NUJ ZEC also appealed to landlords and property developers to embrace environmentally responsible construction practices, while urging residents to maintain clean surroundings as part of efforts to promote public health and environmental sustainability.
The council said its resolutions were informed by the need for stronger institutional cooperation and responsive governance in tackling challenges that directly affect the wellbeing and socio-economic development of residents of the South-East.
The NUJ South-East ZEC reaffirmed its commitment to using the media to promote accountability, development and the collective interests of the region while advocating policies and interventions capable of improving the living conditions of its people.
NATIONAL PANEL reports that a similar NUJ South-East position on stronger regional collaboration and development has previously been reported, including a call for closer cooperation among the governors.
