The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, has expressed concern over the quality of some recently constructed roads in the state, urging the Anambra State Government to ensure contractors deliver durable infrastructure in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s promise of long-lasting roads.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Union’s Congress held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, NUJ Secretariat Complex, Awka. The congress was presided over by the State Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, JP.
The Union noted that some newly completed roads have already begun developing patches, while others are being washed away by erosion, describing the situation as inconsistent with the governor’s assurance that roads constructed under his administration would last for at least 20 years.
The Congress also appealed to Governor Soludo to address the lingering non-payment of pensions and gratuities owed to retired staff of the defunct National Light Newspaper and the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), describing their plight as deserving of urgent government attention.
On environmental issues, the NUJ urged residents of Anambra State to stop dumping refuse into drainage channels, particularly during the rainy season, warning that such practices worsen flooding and increase the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera. It also encouraged citizens to participate actively in environmental sanitation and support the Ministry of Environment in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
The Congress welcomed the Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Re-Orientation, Dr. Law Mefor, who reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Union and announced plans to commence quarterly press briefings on government activities.
Members also appreciated the Guest Speaker, Mrs. Silvia Ngige, for encouraging journalists to remain hardworking, dedicated and consistent in their professional duties. Similarly, the Divisional Cooperative Officer for Awka South, Mrs. Chiamaka Agbili, educated members on establishing a viable cooperative society capable of improving members’ welfare.
The Union announced that the 2026 NUJ Anambra Man of the Year Awards will hold on September 10, 2026, as part of activities marking the Council’s 35th anniversary and the grand finale of the 2026 Press Week. It called on members and well-meaning Nigerians to support the event through goodwill messages and commemorative articles.
Congress also commended the leadership of the NUJ Anambra State Council under Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu for completing the fencing of the NUJ Secretariat and successfully launching the Council’s official website.
On road safety, the Union condemned the increasing incidence of motorists driving against traffic and appealed to road users to obey traffic regulations to safeguard lives and property.
However, it urged the Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) to address traffic challenges created by the absence of turning points at locations such as St. Paul’s Nibo/Nise, Ezi Agnes Junction, and Emeka Aghasili Secondary School, which force motorists to travel longer distances before making legal turns. The Union also advised ARTMA to enforce traffic laws with fairness and professionalism.
The Congress further encouraged taxpayers to take advantage of the Anambra State Government’s ongoing tax waiver programme under the Voluntary Assets Income Declaration and Tax Regularization Scheme (VAIDS), urging residents to regularize their tax status before the expiration of the waiver to avoid sanctions.
