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Tag: NUJ Press Week

  • Delta Government Reaffirms Strong Partnership with Media to Advance MORE Agenda

    Delta Government Reaffirms Strong Partnership with Media to Advance MORE Agenda

    By Anne Azuka

    The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the media to advance Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda. Governor Oborevwori gave the assurance at a three-day seminar and workshop organised by the Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as part of its 2025 Press Week.Represented by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, the governor commended the Chapel for selecting the theme, “Understanding the M.O.R.E Agenda of Governor Oborevwori’s Administration: Meaningful Development in the Power Sector as Panacea for Economic Recovery and Development in Delta State and Nigeria.”

    He noted that the power sector remains central to effective governance and economic growth, adding that his administration is committed to attracting investors to improve electricity supply for both public and private sector development.Delivering a paper on “Energy Mix for Sustainable Economic Recovery and Development of Delta State and Nigeria,” the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri—represented by Dr. Okoro Ferdinand—emphasised the need for a balanced, locally-driven renewable energy mix. He said bold policies, innovation, and community participation could position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s sustainable energy transformation.Chairman of the occasion, Elder Chris Biose, stressed that Nigeria requires more than 100,000 megawatts of electricity to meet its industrial and demographic demands.

    Speaking at the event, NUJ Delta State Council Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, applauded the cordial relationship between the media and the state government. He urged all parties to sustain the partnership for the benefit of the state’s socio-economic development.Earlier, Chairman of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, said the seminar theme was chosen to mark the second anniversary of the Chapel’s executive and its annual Press Week. He criticised the politicisation of electricity supply, stating that no nation can achieve meaningful development without at least 18 hours of power daily.Olannye praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Power Sector Amendment Bill and also commended Governor Oborevwori for assenting to the Delta State Electricity Bill, which aims to strengthen electricity delivery across the state.Member representing Oshimili South in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, commended the Chapel for choosing a theme of national importance. She confirmed that the State Assembly has passed the Electricity Bill, which has now become law, adding that the government is working with stakeholders to address power supply challenges.

    In her remarks, Mrs. Stella Macaulay, who represented Commissioner Charles Aniagwu, highlighted ongoing efforts by the state government to modernise power infrastructure. She said several initiatives were underway to ensure sustainable electricity supply in Asaba and other parts of the state.The event also featured an awards ceremony honouring Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, Director-General of the Contributory Health Commission, and veteran journalist Asiwaju Sola Adedayo for their contributions to societal development.

  • Bayelsa NUJ Honours Governor Douye Diri with Iconic Achiever Award for Infrastructural Development

    Bayelsa NUJ Honours Governor Douye Diri with Iconic Achiever Award for Infrastructural Development

    By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

    The Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has conferred the Iconic Achiever Award on Governor Douye Diri in recognition of his administration’s extensive infrastructural and developmental projects across the state.

    The award ceremony, which took place on Saturday at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre in Yenagoa, marked the climax of the 2025 NUJ Press Week themed “Media, Social Justice and National Development.”

    Receiving the award on behalf of the governor, Dr. Kolawole Oredipe, Director-General of the Bayelsa Government New Media**, said the recognition affirmed the administration’s record of tangible and visible development across Bayelsa’s three senatorial districts.

    He highlighted key projects such as the construction of new roads and bridges, upgrades to healthcare facilities and schools, and the expansion of youth empowerment initiatives like the Prosperity Cup, which has engaged thousands of young people across the state.

    “This award is a validation of Governor Diri’s commitment to inclusive governance, transparency, and sustainable development,” Oredipe stated. “His administration remains focused on building infrastructure that enhances the quality of life for all Bayelsans.”

    In his welcome address, Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha, Chairman of the NUJ Bayelsa State Council, described the event as a milestone for the newly elected council executive, inaugurated in November 2024. He also celebrated the successful hosting of the first-ever Bayelsa Media Summit in the union’s 70-year history, which he said strengthened dialogue between the media and government.

    “This year’s Press Week reflects our shared commitment to professionalism and national progress. The NUJ will continue to promote ethical journalism and social justice,” Yemoleigha noted.

    Several other distinguished personalities were also recognized for their contributions to governance, public safety, and community service. Among them were Hon. Oforji Oboku, Hon. (Mrs.) Ebiuwou Koku Obiyai, Hon. Daniel Charles, and Commissioner of Police, CP Francis Idu.

    Delivering the keynote address, Dr. John Kalama, a media scholar and development advocate, underscored the critical role of journalists as watchdogs and moral compasses of society. He urged media professionals to strengthen their adherence to ethical standards and support community journalism, emphasizing its relevance in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    “The media must continue to serve as a bridge between the people and policymakers, championing transparency and accountability in governance,” Kalama said.

    The ceremony concluded with cultural performances and a renewed commitment from both the media and the Bayelsa State Government to work collaboratively toward achieving equitable development and social justice in the state.