Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed has challenged journalists to be in the forefront and champion the campaign against gender based violence, especially rape.
The governor who was speaking at the North East Zonal meeting of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ held at Bauchi NUJ Press centre on Wednesday, said journalists as agenda setters should use their reportage to reduce the indices of rape cases and gender based violence in the society.
“The country is currently facing a spike in rape cases among minor and other gender based violence and journalists have crucial role to play in fighting this ugly development ,” he said.
The Governor represented by his chief of staff, Dr Ladan Salihu also urged journalists to be professional in the discharge of their duties.
NUJ National President, Chris Osiguzo acknowledged Mohammed’s support to the NUJ by accepting to reconstruct the Bauchi NUJ secretariat.
Osiguzo appealed to the governor to provide land to the union for the construction of houses for members.
The NUJ boss who had earlier led other officials to inspect projects by the present administration in the state, commended the governor for embarking on people oriented projects in the areas of road construction, health and the ongoing water project.
