NUJ Chairman Applauds Benue Links GM For Transforming Transport Sector, Strengthening Union Partnership
By Amos Aar
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, has commended the General Manager of Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Comrade Alexander Fanafa, for his unwavering support to the union and his remarkable strides in repositioning the transport company.
During a courtesy visit to the company’s headquarters in Makurdi on Thursday, comrade Ugber congratulated Fanafa on his appointment by the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, and praised him for his commitment to supporting journalism and promoting the welfare of Benue people.
“On behalf of the State Working Committee of the NUJ, Benue State Council, we are here to identify with you as a senior comrade and to thank you for your invaluable contributions,” Ugber stated. “Your support was pivotal in the successful conduct of the triennial delegate conference that produced the current leadership of the council”, he added.
The NUJ Chairman went further to laud the GM’s generosity, recounting how Fanafa facilitated the participation of Benue delegates at the national triennial delegate conference in Owerri, Imo State. “We remain grateful to you, sir. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed,” Ugber emphasized.
Highlighting Fanafa’s achievements, the NUJ chairman noted that Benue Links has undergone significant transformation under his leadership. “You have converted the company’s headquarters into an international standard park through asphalting and the construction of drainage systems. You introduced haulage services, created job opportunities for the youth, and made staff welfare a top priority,” he said.
Ugber also praised Fanafa for implementing a N75,000 minimum wage for workers and introducing township shuttle services using Marco Polo buses, which have eased transportation burdens following the removal of fuel subsidies. “You have further subsidized transport fares across all routes, demonstrating your empathy towards the people,” he noted.
Further acknowledging Fanafa’s foresight, Ugber disclosed that Benue Links has secured a permanent park at Area 3 Junction in Abuja and set up a robust monitoring team led by Fanafa himself. “The way you are progressing, we foresee Benue Links becoming a national transportation leader, and perhaps, even operating an airline in the future,” he remarked.
In a biblical reference, Ugber likened Fanafa’s leadership to the blessed man described in Jeremiah 17:7-8, adding, “Your humility and devotion to God and humanity are evident, and we are confident you will continue to bear fruits for Benue State.”
He assured Fanafa of NUJ’s unflinching partnership and requested further collaboration, including the training of journalists in transportation reporting. He also appealed for logistical support, including the donation of a generator and an invitation to address the forthcoming NUJ State Congress on March 27.
In response, GM Fanafa thanked the NUJ for their solidarity and commitment to objective reportage. He lauded their professionalism and affirmed the company’s openness to scrutiny and collaboration.
“On behalf of the management, I congratulate you on your peaceful election and commend the NUJ for reestablishing itself as a dependable watchdog of society,” Fanafa said. “We value the synergy we share with journalists and appreciate your unbiased reports on the company’s operations.”
Fanafa attributed many of the company’s achievements to the support of the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, who, according to him, provided the company with 100 new buses, haulage trucks, and infrastructural upgrades. “His Excellency’s hands-on leadership and commitment to Benue Links have been instrumental in repositioning the company,” Fanafa stressed.
He assured the NUJ of continuous collaboration, saying, “Benue Links will always partner with journalists to ensure transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery to the people of Benue State.”
Fanafa also promised to seek official clearance to address the upcoming NUJ congress, pledging that the company remains committed to supporting the union in areas within its capacity.
“We will continue to cooperate with NUJ to ensure that the activities of this government and the transport sector are brought to light for the benefit of the public,” he added.
In closing, Comrade Ebute Cornelius, Manager of Planning, Research and Statistics at Benue Links, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “We believe this collaboration will yield long-term, positive outcomes for both the company and the media industry in Benue.”
