The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for abolishing the illegal Monday sit-at-home order in the state, describing the move as a major step toward restoring economic activities.
The union, however, called on security agencies to strengthen protection for traders and residents, especially on Mondays, to ensure the safety of markets, roads and commercial activities across the state.
This was part of the resolutions reached at the NUJ Congress held on March 5, 2026, where members deliberated on issues affecting journalists, residents and the development of Anambra State.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the congress and signed by the NUJ Chairman in the state, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, and the Secretary, Comrade Okechukwu Onuegbu, the union also urged the state government to investigate alleged excessive deductions from the February salaries of state civil servants.
The congress expressed concern over the plight of electricity consumers under the Band A tariff classification, noting that many residents who pay higher tariffs still experience inadequate and inconsistent power supply.
The NUJ therefore called on electricity distribution companies and relevant regulatory authorities to improve service delivery and address persistent overbilling of consumers without corresponding electricity supply.
On housing, the union decried the activities of exploitative landlords and house agents, which it said have contributed to the rising cost of rent in the state.
Congress urged the Anambra State Government and the State House of Assembly to enact a tenancy law that would regulate house rents and the activities of agents in order to reduce the financial burden on residents.
The union also called on Governor Soludo to appoint trained media professionals from Anambra State into strategic communication and media-related positions in government to enhance professionalism and improve information management in the public sector.
It specifically urged the governor to consider qualified journalists within and outside the state for appointments, particularly during his second term in office.
On infrastructure, the NUJ appealed to the state government to give urgent attention to the Isu-Aniocha–Urum–Amanuke–Amanuke Secondary School road with a spur to Ugbene road project in Awka North Local Government Area, as well as the Mgbakwu–Purity FM road to Ebenebe.
According to the union, completion of the projects would significantly improve connectivity and unlock economic opportunities for communities in Awka North.
Congress also recommended the construction of a road linking Isu-Aniocha to Ifite Awka to reduce the persistent traffic congestion at the Y-Junction in Okpuno during peak hours.
The NUJ further appealed to the Soludo administration to ensure that future political and administrative appointments reflect equitable representation across the 21 local government areas of the state in order to promote inclusiveness and balanced development.
The congress also urged the state government to facilitate accreditation for Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes at the Anambra State Polytechnic, Mgbakwu.
It expressed concern over what it described as the level of neglect and decay at the institution in the past four years following the non-accreditation of HND programmes, warning that the situation could lead to the loss of TETFUND support due to declining student population.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical journalism, defending the integrity of the profession and constructively engaging government and other stakeholders on issues that advance the welfare of citizens and the development of Anambra State.
The communiqué was drafted by a committee chaired by Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika, with Chinyere-Fessy Okoye as secretary and Chibuzor Obidike as member.
