By Emmanuel Awari -Jalingo
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Taraba State Council, has sounded a grave alarm over the deteriorating condition of the state own media outfits, Taraba State Broadcasting Service (TSBS) and Taraba Television (TTV), urging the state government to undertake immediate and decisive intervention to avert their imminent collapse.
This is contained in a resolution adopted at the State Congress held on August 5, 2026, in Jalingo.
The congress, presided over by the Council Chairman, Comrade Mathew Eliud Jen, also emphasized the imperative of sustained professional development for journalists in the state, describing capacity building as indispensable to the survival and credibility of contemporary journalism.
At the congress, delegates stressed the need for a robust partnership between the Taraba State Government and the NUJ to institutionalize continuous training and retraining programmes for media practitioners. The congress noted that the rapidly changing technological environment in the global media industry demands constant upgrading of journalistic skills, digital competence, and ethical standards.
The union maintained that without deliberate investment in human capital development, journalists in the state risk being left behind in the increasingly competitive and technology-driven media ecosystem.
The congress further commended the Taraba State Government for clearing the five-month salary arrears owed to local government workers, describing the gesture as a significant relief to affected employees and a demonstration of responsiveness to workers’ welfare.
It also lauded the Federal Government for the strategic establishment of the 10 Division of the Nigerian Army in Jalingo and the relocation of the Brigade-level operational command to Wukari, noting that the development would substantially strengthen security architecture and enhance the protection of lives and property across Taraba State.
The congress equally acknowledged the state government’s commitment to supporting ongoing security operations and sustaining collaborative efforts aimed at preserving peace and stability in the state.
The council resolved to engage relevant authorities to address complaints bordering on inadequate professional recognition and operational constraints allegedly imposed by some chief executives raised by Public Relation Officer (PRO’s) serving in various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
As part of preparations for the forthcoming NUJ Taraba State Council elections scheduled for October 2026, Comrade Jen inaugurated the Credentials Committee to oversee the electoral process and ensure transparency, credibility, and fairness.
In a move widely interpreted as a demonstration of the union’s commitment to democratic accountability, the congress also constituted a Governorship Debate Committee to organize debates ahead of the 2027 Governorship election, thereby providing a platform for issue-based engagement among political contenders.
The resolutions, according to the communique, reflect the council’s determination to safeguard the future of public broadcasting in Taraba State, strengthen professional journalism, and deepen democratic participation through informed public discourse.
The Congress commended the Taraba State Government for paying off the five-month salary arrears owed to local government workers in the state. It also appreciated the Federal Government for establishing the 10 Division operational presence in Jalingo and the 6 Brigade, which has now been moved to Wukari to consolidate the security situation in the state, while acknowledging the State Government’s efforts in ensuring its sustenance.
