By George Ozalla
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Federal Capital Territory Council, has condemned the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) for alleged neglect of duty and disregard for the welfare of residents, even as the Council honoured the memory of the late journalist former Chair of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Stella Okoh-Esene, during its Congress held in Abuja on Saturday.
In a communique adopted at the meeting, the NUJ accused the AEPB of gross negligence in handling environmental sanitation in parts of the city, particularly around the Jabi Park Junction, where refuse has reportedly piled up for weeks without any intervention. The union described the situation as worrisome and a public health risk, observing that several warnings and correspondences had been sent to the agency without addressing the ugly situation .
Similarly, the Congress took a strong position against the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company over the recent decommissioning of prepaid meters without prior notice to consumers. The NUJ said the action was exploitative and insensitive, forcing unsuspecting residents to bear unnecessary financial burdens in replacing their meters. The union called on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to investigate the issue and ensure that the rights of electricity consumers within the FCT are protected.
The union used the opportunity to equally pay a moving tribute to the late journalist and media advocate, Comrade Stella Okoh-Esene, who was celebrated for her selfless service to journalism and commitment to mentoring young professionals. Until her passing, Stella served as the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, FCT Chapter, and was widely admired for her fearless reporting, professional ethics, and strong voice in promoting the inclusion of women in media practice.
Her colleagues described her as a trailblazer who inspired many through her passion for truth and fairness, adding that her leadership within the union left a legacy of courage, diligence, and compassion. A minute of silence was observed in her honour, with members pledging to uphold the values she lived for.
The Congress reaffirmed the union’s commitment to professionalism and social responsibility, urging journalists to remain steadfast in their duty to hold institutions accountable and serve as the conscience of society.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Federal Capital Territory Council, is the umbrella body for practicing journalists within the capital territory and serves as the primary platform for promoting press freedom, professional ethics, and welfare of media workers in Abuja.
