•calls for attention shift from politics to governance
Commissioner for Information in Delta state, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza has stressed the indispensability of the media in the success of democratic governance, calling on journalists to shift attention from politics to governance.
Dr Osuoza made the remarks in Asaba Wednesday, when the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Delta State Council paid a courtesy visit on him at his office in Asaba.
He urged the leadership of the NUJ in the state to mobilise its members in synergy with the Sheriff Oborevwori administration to deliver on the MORE Agenda for Deltans.
"Without any argument, you as journalists would agree that Governor Oborevwori has start well and is on course, after all the challenges and hurdles of elections and the courts.
The governor is very well disposed to the media and knows the administration needs you to succeed. We need this synergy and partnership for mutual benefit.
The commissioner frowned at what he called "yellow journalism" and charged journalists to be objective in their reportage and be constructive in their criticisms.
He urged the leadership of NUJ Delta to articulate their programmes and projects as it would positively impact the members and the state in general.
The delegation led by the State Council Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Churchill Oyowe told the commissioner the NUJ is keenly interested in moving the state forward with the MORE Agenda.
Harping on the role of the press in holding the government accountable for development, he said the media also serves as a bridge between the people and the government.
He described the relationship between the press and government as symbiotic, saying that the media cannot function effectively without a harmonious working relationship with government.
Articulating some of the working strategies to accentuate the MORE Agenda, Comrade Oyowe said the importance of Quarterly Media Interaction briefing with the Governor cannot be overemphasised, as it will curb speculations, misinformation and disinformation of the public.
The chairman also noted that journalists are not aware of some of the development strides of the administration, across the state, adding that periodic facility tour would help to acquaint the journalist with factual information dissemination.
He also underscored the importance of Yearly Ministerial Press briefing to to help highlight the activities of the different Ministries as it relates to the MORE agenda.
Oyowe pledged the cooperation of the 532 journalists in the state to help the commisy succeed in marketing the MORE Agenda of the Oborevwori administration.