Nigerians have been urged to disregard false reports suggesting that Imo State is unsafe.

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Chris Isiguzo, made this call in his welcome address during the ongoing 8th Triennial National Delegates Conference, tagged Owerri 2024.

Chief Isiguzo emphasised that Imo State is not only safe but also hospitable, as evidenced by the experiences of the delegates and observers gathered from across Nigeria.

Approximately 700 delegates and nearly 309 observers are currently in Owerri, the Imo State capital, for the conference.

He expressed gratitude to the Imo State Governor, Mr Hope Uzodimma, for providing the conducive environment to host the event. Chief Isiguzo also thanked his colleagues for entrusting him with the leadership of the union for six years.

In his remarks, the outgoing president described the conference theme, “Media and Democracy: The Journalist’s Role in Holding Leaders Accountable”, as highly relevant.

Reflecting on his tenure, Isiguzo highlighted his achievements, noting that he had raised the standard of the journalism profession and laid a solid foundation for its future.

He advised the incoming executives to ensure that personal differences do not interfere with their official responsibilities.

The conference will officially be declared open by Governor Hope Uzodimma, after which elections for new national executives of the union will take place.