29th October, 2022
Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has inaugurated the State Council Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Asaba, 31 years after the state’s creation.
Okowa lauded the journalists for their contributions to the development of the state while urging them to report verifiable information to appropriately inform and educate the people.
“I listen carefully to the National President of the NUJ, Mr Chris Isiguzo, and I must commend him for his speech. Everything he said is very important for the growth of this nation.
“The independence of the press is very instructive and it is something that we need to practise.
“I also urge the press that in the face of all pains and pressures, they must as much as possible, inform appropriately and be sure that the information that gets out to our people is the right information and that such information is Justiceable.
“The press can stand their ground at all times; sometimes, politicians and other people may put you under pressure but I trust you must maintain your stand.
”I want to appreciate the State Council NUJ Chairman, Mike Ikeogwu, and members of the press for the partnership in terms of reporting and informing our people of our various programmes and projects in the state.
“We have had a good level of cooperation and they know that we did not gag them but we work as friends,” Okowa said.
The governor said his administration would continue to work and deliver its promises to the people till the last day in office, adding, ” there is no doubt that we have done a lot in the course of the past seven and half years.”
While assuring the union of meeting their requests, Okowa berated the attitude of certain politicians who he said wanted to play to the gallery by distorting information.