By Abel Johngold Orheruata
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, a body of pen professionals, have been described as an integral part of government whose relevance and imperative importance in information dissemination cannot be undermined by government and good governance both in Delta State and beyond.
The Delta State Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, stated this today in his office in Asaba, while playing host to the Leadership of the Nigeria Union Of Journalists Delta State Council led by Comrade Michael Ikeogwu.
Barr. Otuaro who appreciated the partnership and collaboration from members of the NUJ, commended journalists in the State on balance of objective reportage all through the recession period and also thanked them for the cooperation with which they furnished the Delta State government.
He noted that the peace building efforts by the Delta State Government, led by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is very key.
According to him; “we came into government and governance well prepared haven articulated our top processes, our top policies and programmes, and that of course was met with a most difficult recessional times. But we were able to overcome these challenges with your support through your balance of objective reportage”.
“Our efforts of peace building is very heavy. Our policy trust is pivoted on wealth creation and providing job opportunity for all Deltans and that undoubtedly would not have been achieved in an atmosphere of chaos, in an atmosphere were our critical infrastructure of oil and gas is breached heavily. And to that extent, we have course to put in place the Delta State Advocacy Committee Against Oil Assets destruction. And we thank God we have been able to calm the situation and we are looking forward into greater partnership and collaboration from you in this part”. Barr. Otuaro stated.
Barr. Otuaro, noted that, the government of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has done so much and hopefully will still keep faith with his SMART programmes and see how it can actually have the expected reforms in Infrastructure, Education, Agriculture as well as other sectors.
The state deputy governor, while thanking NUJ for its support and encouragement, enjoined its members to keep up the objective and balance reportage of events.
“As we are preparing for the forthcoming elections, we expect you to keep up the objective and balance reportage of events as they begin to unfold”. He said.
Barr. Otuaro, assured that his office is ready to partner and support the launch of a Cooperative Society venture by the NUJ. He also assured that, his office will give the best of support and cooperation in NUJ’s request and would see the best it can do.
Earlier, in his address, the Chairman of NUJ Delta State Council, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, said, NUJ remain a vital body to reckon with in terms of developing the country and Delta State in particular.
Comrade Ikeogwu, noted that, as members of the pen profession, they will continue to forge ahead, pointing out the ills in the society and giving opinion goal on how things should be done.
He commended the State deputy governor for his support to the governor. Saying; “Your excellency, the cordial relationship between you and the governor cannot be quantified, and that has given rise to the overwhelming development in the State.
The peace enjoyed today, especially in the riverine area is as a result of the Advocacy committee headed by you. You and members of your committee have creek cross the riverine region to ensure that peace is enthroned, and that peace has made the governor to continue to carry out his developmental strides in the state”. Ikeogwu stated.
Comrade Ikeagwu, while pledging NUJ’s undivided support to the state government in term of information dissemination, appealed to the state deputy governor to assist the union during the launching of its Cooperative Society.
He also appealed to the state deputy governor to help in assisting the payment of salaries of staff at the NUJ secretariat as well as the sponsorship of NUJ leadership to the forth coming NEC meeting billed to take place at Sokoto this year.
The courtesy was well attended by some civil commissioners in the state, the Deputy Chief of Staff Government House, Chief Steve Eroutor, among others.
