NUJ FCT CONGRESS SLAMS AEDC, AEPB, HONOURS LATE JOURNALIST STELLA OKOH-ESENE.
By Raymond Enoch
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has issued a strong-worded communique at the end of its Congress held on Saturday 11th October2025 at the NUJ Secretariat in Abuja, denouncing what it called the gross negligence of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and the exploitative actions of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), while also paying tribute to the late Comrade Stella Okoh-Esene.
The Congress, attended by journalists across various chapels, raised alarm over the deplorable state of waste management at Jabi Park Junction and surrounding areas, describing the situation as a looming health crisis. Despite an earlier letter sent to AEPB demanding urgent sanitation measures, the Council noted that no tangible action had been taken. It called on the board to act immediately to prevent a potential public health emergency.
Equally condemned was the recent decommissioning of electricity meters by AEDC without prior notice to consumers. The Congress noted reports that unsuspecting residents are being compelled to pay exorbitant fees for meter replacements. The NUJ FCT described the practice as exploitative and demanded that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) investigate the issue and compel AEDC to halt actions that impose unnecessary financial burdens on FCT residents.
In a moment of solemn reflection, the Congress honoured the late Comrade Stella Okoh-Esene, former Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, hailing her as a fearless and principled journalist who championed integrity, fairness, and the advancement of women in journalism. Members observed a minute of silence and pledged to uphold the values she stood for.
The Council concluded by commending its members for their commitment to ethical journalism and union solidarity, encouraging them to remain resolute in promoting truth, accountability, and professional excellence in their work.
