14th August, 2024
By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Governor, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara has pledged robust relations with the media as a way to boost governance in the state.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Nigeria Union Of Journalists (NUJ) 2024 Press Week through Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, the Governor said the press is crucial for effective governance and delivery of democratic dividends.
He reiterated that his administration sees the media as key partners to transform and mobilise the citizenry for a better polity.
Sir. Fubara observed that though the media promotes the freedom and rights of citizens, he stressed the need for responsible journalism to sustain the country’s fledgling democracy.
In his words, “You have to put Rivers State ahead in your agenda.
“Your topic of discussion brings together experts to brainstorm for the wellbeing of the society.”
He also enjoined that the workshop on the training of journalists on “Casting Headlines, News Editing, Content Creation and Blogging” should be used to advance professionalism in an era of social media proliferation.
On her part, Chairman of the occasion, Dame Ibim Semenitari said the theme of the press week:” Media and Sustenance of Democracy: A New Paradigm Shift” is apt with the current challenges facing the nation.
Semenitari, a former State Commissioner for Information and Communications recalled that the media played a huge role in the return of democracy in Nigeria, and therefore should preserve and sustain it through ethical and responsible journalism.
In her words: “We must work against the proliferation of fake news, quackery and must not shy away from the key responsibility of investigative journalism.”
Worried over current trends, Semenitari cautioned journalists to be alert on their watchdog role.
Earlier, Royal Father of the day, Eze Ejike Wali traditional head of Mgbuesularu community hailed the NUJ for reviving its press week activities after many years.
Represented by Chief Vincent Nwanwa, the Mgbuesularu monarch stressed the need for synergy between the NUJ and the state government as a path to good governance and development.
Deputy National President of NUJ Zone F, Comrade Opaka Dokubo said one of the benefits of the press week is to create camaraderie among media practitioners.
Dokubo thanked the Rivers State governor for support to the media.
The NUJ national president said the posture of Fubara’s administration promises a better future for media and governance.
In his address, State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Stanley Job Stanley said the celebration provides time for stocktaking and review of activities of media practitioners across the state.
While appreciating the state government for its support of this year’s event, the Rivers State NUJ Chairman made a plea for more support, especially for the renovation of the secretariat and other facilities needed for the effective operations of journalists in the state.
Speaking on the theme of the press week, “Media and Sustenance of Democracy: A New Paradigm Shift”, Dr Williams Wodi said the role of the media has continued to evolve globally with current economic realities.
Dr Wodi, a former Head of the Public Relations Unit of University of Port Harcourt, UNIPORT opined that the evolving media climate challenges journalists to ensure that democracy is sustained across different climes.
The media expert averred that journalists need to be alive to their social responsibility, and at the same maintain their role to champion the rights of the common people.
He opined that the position of the media as the fourth estate of the realm can only be strengthened when checks on leadership are sustained in such a manner to drive equity and economic power.
