From R-L: Comr. Mike Ikeogwu, Chairman, NUJ, Delta State Council; Pst. Malcolm Oteri, Acting General Manager (AGM), DBS, Warri; Comr. Sheriff Mulade, National Cordinator, CEPEJ; Dr. Godwin Orhadahwe; and Hon. Arex Aketokubo, SSA to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Political Matters
By Emeka Nwokocha
WARRI/Nigeria: The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Delta State Council, Comr. Mike Ikeogwu, has commended the National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Comr. Sheriff Mulade, for making huge contribution in the development of Niger Delta and Nigeria with uncommon zeal, describing him as a courageous activist whose advocacy for the wellbeing of humanity has been resolute.
Ikeogwu made the commendation Tuesday 6, while delivering a speech at a Media Appreciation Day, organized by Comr. Mulade at the headquarters of CEPEJ, in Ugolo, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.
Continuing, Ikeogwu hailed the renowned environmental activist for maintaining cordial relationship with the media and using the media space judiciously to popularize his ideals in the pursuit of unfettered peace and safe environment in Niger Delta and Nigeria.
On his part, the Acting General Manager (AGM) of Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Pastor Malcolm Oteri, applauded Comr. Mulade for his love for humanity, noting that the latter’s selfless service to humanity over the years, is an uncommon virtue that stands him out among his contemporaries.
Continuing, Oteri described Mulade as a man wholly committed to the growth and development of his community, Delta State, and Nigeria.
In his earlier address, Comr. Mulade, thanked the media industry for reporting the activities of CEPEJ at the local and international scenes. Mulade, while recalling that the riverine communities present huge challenge to journalists due to the tough terrains, commended the media for the courage that enabled reportage of the activities of CEPEJ across the riverine communities with precision.
Continuing, he described the expertise and professionalism with which the media gave prominence to CEPEJ’s activities within and outside the shores of Nigeria as overwhelming.
He said, “We appreciate you deeply for your tireless efforts and contributions by visiting the riverine communities to capture and confirm the good work this NGO has done and is doing in those difficult geographical terrains.
“The press has helped us in publicising our call to the Delta State Government to create a Coastal Areas Development Commission (CADA), to pilot a blue print for the development of the riverine communities. Also, we are impressed by the interventionist roles played by the press in peace building geared towards sustainable development in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.”
Comr. Mulade, however, charged journalists to expose the challenges facing the riverine communities, noting that the suffering of the people of the communities result from nonavailability of accessible roads, drinkable water, electricity, quality education, health facilities and other infrastructural deficit, including air and water pollution resulting from oill spillage among others.
In the same vein, the Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Political Matters, Hon. Arex Akemotubo, applauded Comr. Mulade for his doggedness in sustaining advocacy for a better Niger Delta, even as Dr. Godwin Orhadahwe, Senior Board Member at CEPEJ, tasked journalists to uphold the tenets of the journalism profession in their reportage.
The session was attended by senior and junior journalists from National, State, and community newspapers including broadcast and online media.
