The inestimable and valuable contributions of members of the fourth estate of the realm, the press, was again acknowledged and commended by Delta State Government, on Thursday in Asaba, at the first Congress of the new administration of the State chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, under the able leadership of Comrade Churchill Oyowe.
Special Guest of honour at the Congress and Executive Assistant on Orientation and Communications to the Governor, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe, on Thursday said Journalists in Delta and across Nigeria, must of a necessity be consistently appreciated and given all lawful, financial and material support to enable them discharge their constitutionally assigned responsibilities as watchdogs of society.
He disclosed that the State government and the Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, treasures the robust working relationship with Journalists, saying that the deliberate government policy on free access to information in line with the spirit and letters of Freedom of Information Act and principles of press freedom remained sacrosanct.
Oborevwori’s Communication Aide, commended members of the state chapter of NUJ, for demonstrating high level of professionalism and ethics in the discharge of their duties and functions as working working Journalists in the state, and like Oliver twist, appealed to them to increase the tempo of partnership in projecting the policies, programmes and achievements of Oborevwori administration.
He disclosed that the government is open to constructive criticism, which would help it to advance Delta, and urged them to always crosscheck and/or verify every piece of information and data before filing their reports, so as to avoid the practice of jungle journalism and half truth.
Oghenesivbe who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation Bureau, DSOB, appealed to Journalists in the state to also partner with the Bureau in educating and informing the general public and Deltans, about sensitization programmes lined up for first, second and third quarters of 2024.
He listed some of the lined up programmes to include; Campaigns against use of illicit drugs and substance abuse, payment of taxes as civic responsibility of citizens and corporate entities, strategies to curb global warming, need for more Deltans to participate in Armed Forces recruitment exercise, among others.
“Let me use this unique opportunity, to once again, congratulate Delta NUJ Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe and members of his executive Committee, over their well deserved victory at the just concluded state NUJ election.
“I am indeed privileged and humbled to be the special guest of honour at your first Congress in the life span of this exco of the union in the state.
“My job today is very simple, it is to thank Journalists in the state and various chapels gathered here for partnering effectively with Oborevwori administration within the last seven months and counting, in advancing Delta.
“Of course, you know, that the last bus stop of this administration is May 29, 2031. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, shall continue to be the ruling party in the state, by the grace of God, and together we shall get there.
“Governor Oborevwori is the peoples governor, a friend of the media here in Delta and across the country. Be rest assured, gentlemen of the press, that governor Oborevwori will continue to work harmoniously with the State council of NUJ, and to that extent, we must consistently sustain the synergy to attsin full implementation of the MORE agenda.
“The governor came prepared and judging from his enviable performances so far, you will agree with me that Delta shall remain on top in terms of mega infrastructure projects, civil and public servants welfare and wellbeing, as well as wealth and job creation for our teaming youth to enable them thrive and excel as young entrepreneurs.
“We are working on the 5th edition of Delta State Communication Workshop, DELCOM, through the office of the Executive Assistant on Communications and Orientation, and based on popular demand from members of the State council of NUJ, we shall increase slot for your members in subsequent editions.
“Working Journalists in Delta are core partners of government and they shall consistently benefit from the human capacity development and professional skills enhancement programmes embedded in the annual communication workshop,” Oghenesivbe assured.