Delta State Commissioner for
Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, on Monday (06/03/2017) said the state
government places a high premium on the welfare of journalists working in the
state, noting that the current administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa will
not relent in rewarding newsmen so long they continue to discharge their duties
professionally.
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| Mr. Patrick Ukah. |
Ukah, who spoke at the formal opening
ceremony of the secretariat of the Indigenous Newspapers/Magazines
Correspondents Chapel of the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of
journalists (NUJ) in Asaba, said the press system in Delta State has been
“so wonderful” particularly in its interpretation of government policies,
programmes and actions in the wake of the nationwide economic downturn that has
negatively impacted the activities of governments in the country.
The Commissioner, who expressed
gratitude to journalists in the state for showing much patriotism and
understanding for the state government, observed that the Okowa’s
administration is striving to ensure an appreciable improvement in the welfare
of newsmen, adding that the state government “is ready to do more if we have
the desired resources”.
“Journalists in this state service
everyone of us and because you service everyone of us, we service you too by
ensuring that your welfare is improved”, he told the media men who responded
with applauds.
He admitted that journalists have the
constitutional right to write whatever they feel without undue censorship and
“gag” from the state government, but pointed out that “whenever you write about
the policies and programmes of government, please always give us the chance of
fair hearing”.
Mr. Ukah added that Okowa is
assiduously fulfilling the promises inherent in his SMART Agenda which promises
prosperity for all Deltans, disclosing that plans are in the offing to
syndicate “journalists to the various sectors where this administration has
performed creditably so that you will have a personal feel of our achievements
and report on them as you will see them”.
The Provost of Federal College of
Education (Technical ), Asaba, Dr. Ignatius Ezoem, who was the chairman of the
event, called on journalists to embrace professionalism and avoid the practice
of “white journalism” which favours blackmail at the expense of public service
and interest.
Similarly, the Chief Press Secretary
to the governor, Mr. Charles Aniagu, commended the Indigenous
Newspapers/Magazines Chapel for enduring “a little discomfort just to get
a more comfortable base”, assuring that the state government is ready to give
listening ears whenever the need arises.
Also, the National Vice President of
the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone ‘F’, Comrade Akpati Ogude,
advised journalists to focus on developmental issues by reporting government
programmes and policies in good light and in overall benefit of Deltans.
The NUJ Chairman in the state,
Comrade Norbert Chiazor, also applauded the chapel for blazing the trail of
having comfortable office where its leadership could converge to discuss and
brainstorm on issues that affect the body, adding that the union will soon
commission its secretariat that is currently under construction.
Earlier, Chairman of the Indigenous
Newspaper/Magazine Correspondents Chapel, Comrade
Spence Idighri, said the day would
remain dear in the hearts of all qualified and professional journalists who
write for local print media platforms published in the state.
A major highlight of the event was
the unveiling of the “Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa Conference Hall” and a
guided tour of the new secretariat.
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