Maiduguri: NUJ Permanent Site as a Dumping Ground

Maiduguri: NUJ Permanent Site as a Dumping Ground

By: Balami Lazarus

Journalists the world over are known to be alert and knee watchdogs of society in dealings and happenings within and without at all times. Therefore, the Pen professionals should not take things for granted that have to do with them and their profession as the fourth estate of the realm.

I was in Maiduguri recently and decided to take a ride around the city to see things for myself and to authenticate media reports on these projects. And by standard of reportage on the Governor Babagana Zulum government and his people-oriented projects, completed and ongoing.

It might be interesting to know that, despite the challenges of the insurgents, Maiduguri has expanded in growth and development with modern infrastructure and a good road network, unlike when I was a resident there. I give kudos to the government and people of Borno State.

The Biu-Dambaa Road is fast changing. It passed through Abuja-Shareton ward wearing a new look for good. But two major waste dump sites are common features.

NUJ Borno State Chapter as a professional body has not done well for the body and its hardworking, bold, and fearless members, who are known to be at risk in the course of discharging their duties in the state. Her leadership is the major reason why the body lacks a permanent physical press house or club for journalists and visitors to interact with.

I am putting it on the shoulders of past and present leaders of the state union because of my long association with the state chapter. They came without vision and not knowing what to do to improve the welfare of her members or to start the physical development of the permanent site into something that will generate income for the state chapter.

Any passersby must take notice of the proposed NUJ site because of the large tons of solid waste that have been overtaken by the entire land. Point of note as you passed by, which has become near a permanent feature. The offensive, thick smell mixed with the choking smoke in a billow form greets.

Disgracefully also, there is the somewhat burnt-out sign board with bold NUJ Permanent Site inscribed on it, now a dump site for the residents of this area, including others, as findings revealed.

It is not a laughing matter that NUJ’s proposed permanent site has provided a central dumping site. Its economic importance can be seen in the recycling of metal scraps, polythene and polymer waste found at the NUJ dump site. Thank you for this kind gesture.

This should arouse the present leadership under the Chairman, Mr. Dauda Iliya, as a challenge to think outside the box to see to the issue of developing the permanent site, which will add value to the state chapter and NUJ at large.

Balami, a Publisher/Columnist: 08036779290

Maiduguri: NUJ Permanent Site as a Dumping Ground