Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Mrs.Ebiuwou Koku Obiyai, has urged journalists to ensure balanced and verified reporting to maintain credibility and fairness.
She made the call during a courtesy visit by the newly elected executives of the United Correspondents Chapel (UCC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at her office in Yenagoa.
Obiyai stressed the importance of cross-checking information to counter misleading claims, emphasizing that journalists must seek all sides of a story before publishing.
She expressed relief over the recent peaceful resolution of a dispute between the state government and some journalists, facilitated by the state’s intervention, and commended the journalists for their role in de-escalating the issue.
The commissioner congratulated the UCC’s new leadership and praised the media’s collaboration with her ministry in promoting government initiatives.
She highlighted the media’s vital role in educating the public on governance, infrastructure, and other key issues, noting the strong working relationship with both private and public media practitioners.
Responding to UCC’s requests for office equipment, including a generator and television sets, Obiyai promised to consider a formal proposal if submitted.
UCC Chairman Mr. Ekaunkumo Amgbare thanked the Commissioner for the meeting and lauded Governor Douye Diri’s administration for transformative projects, including road networks, the Bayelsa International Stadium, and the New Yenagoa City Development.
He reiterated the UCC’s commitment to publicizing the state’s progress and appealed for greater opportunities for members to cover government activities.
Amgbare also sought support for assistance in addressing some of their challenges, such as provision of a generating set and a Television , and pledged continued use of media platforms to promote Bayelsa’s development agenda.
