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From Paul Orude, Bauchi
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has donated new media equipment and mobile phones to journalists injured in a road accident while covering the commissioning and handover of projects executed by the Commission in Bauchi State.
The presentation, which took place on Monday at the NEDC office in Gombe, followed an accident that occurred on Friday, February 6, along the Yashi–Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area, where 13 journalists from various media organisations were involved.
Items donated by the Commission include five professional cameras—three Canon and two Sony—five tripods, five LED lights, five microphones, connecting cables, as well as 13 Samsung Galaxy A56 5G mobile phones for journalists who lost their phones in the crash.
Media organisations whose cameras were destroyed in the accident include Channels Television, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Bauchi State Television (BATV), ARISE Television, and African Independent Television (AIT), while other journalists lost additional work tools.
Speaking during the presentation, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NEDC, Alhaji Mohammed G. Alkali, recalled that five professional cameras belonging to the affected media organisations were completely damaged in the accident.
“In order to ensure that the affected media organisations can immediately return to work, arrangements have been made to replace all the five cameras so that their operations can continue without disruption,” Alkali said.
He added that, on a personal note, the Commission also resolved to replace the mobile phones lost by the journalists.
“Thirteen journalists who lost their phones will each receive a Samsung Galaxy A56 5G to enable them continue to discharge their professional duties effectively,” he stated.
Alkali further disclosed that while the Bauchi State Government had taken responsibility for the medical treatment of the injured journalists, the Commission had also donated ₦5 million to support their medical expenses.
“Should there be any further needs arising from this unfortunate incident, the Commission is ready to provide additional support,” he assured.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu, while presenting a condolence letter on behalf of the Commission, thanked God that no life was lost in the accident.
He described journalists as critical partners in documenting and communicating the activities of the Commission, noting that the injuries sustained and loss of valuable equipment were deeply regrettable.
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“Although no lives were lost, the pain, injuries and material losses suffered are significant. We pray for the speedy recovery of those still receiving medical care,” the Minister said.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to a cordial and transparent relationship with the media and encouraged continued professional scrutiny and constructive engagement.
The Minister thereafter symbolically handed over the replacement items to the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya, for onward distribution to the affected journalists and media organisations.
The Chairman of the NEDC, Maj. Gen. Paul Tarfa (Rtd), witnessed the presentation.
Responding on behalf of the journalists, Comrade Yahya expressed appreciation to the NEDC for the swift and compassionate intervention, describing it as a demonstration of the Commission’s commitment to media welfare and continuity of work.
He appealed to the Commission to consider providing a health insurance scheme of ₦40,000 per journalist for journalists in the North-East to further enhance their welfare while on duty.
He also commended the Bauchi State Government for its support towards the treatment of the injured journalists.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ Bauchi State Council, Comrade Umar Sa’idu, narrated that the injured journalists were initially evacuated to the Cottage Hospital in Yelwan Duguri before being transferred to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi.
He praised officials of the NEDC and Bauchi State Government for their prompt response, noting that despite being en route to another commissioning site, they immediately returned after receiving news of the accident.
Comrade Sa’idu also specially acknowledged the efforts of the Head of Corporate Services of the Commission, Alhaji Abba Musa, and the General Manager, Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Batulu Isa Mohammed, for their dedication and support throughout the emergency period.
In a sympathy message signed by Alhaji Mohammed G. Alkali, the Governing Board, Management and Staff of the NEDC expressed deep sympathy with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), particularly the Bauchi State Council, over the unfortunate incident that occurred during the commissioning and handover of NEDC projects in Bauchi State.
