Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has stressed the need for synergy among Media Stakeholders and Abia State government for sustained development in the State.
The Governor was speaking during the maiden Media Summit of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Abia State Council held at Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia with the theme “Media, Democracy and Development of Abia State: The Role of Stakeholders.”
He said that the role of the media remains critical in achieving sustainable development in governance.
Governor Ikpeazu, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir. Ude Oko Chukwu stated that the theme of the Summit is remarkable and could not have come at a better time than now that the government was consolidating on it’s developmental strides adding that the theme captures the government’s set goals for development of the State.
He emphasised that the Media are integral part of government that sustain democracy. He said the role the NUJ plays in Abia is glaring and pointer to the fact that the Media are out to sustain democracy and urged the Practitioners in the State to continue.
The State Chief Executive commended the Media in Abia State for her wonderful coverage of the activities of his administration and assured that he would continue to partner the media in driving the vision of his administration for rapid development in the State.
According to him, Abia State prides itself as a State where true Press Freedom exists. He congratulated the NUJ on the success of the Summit and the Awardees on their awards.
Speaking, the Co-Chairman of the occasion and Rector, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Prof. Ezionye Eboh enjoined Nigerians to ensure democracy grows through the instrumentality of the Press.
He extolled journalists for standing out to ensure that truth is told in Nigeria and advised them to ensure democracy in Nigeria grows accordingly. He stressed that the role of the Press is critical in a democracy maintaining that without the press, democracy cannot thrive.
Earlier while welcoming his guests, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abia State Council, Comrade John Emejor said the NUJ in Abia State is committed to true and factual news reportage and have resolved to remain professional in the discharge of its constitutional duties.
He reassured the public that Journalists are not licensed to malign individuals or institutions but to report in line with the ethics of the profession.
Comrade Emejor lauded the Grand Patron of NUJ in the State and Abia Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, for his various assistance to the State Council of the NUJ. He equally congratulated other Awardees and urged them to continue to assist the NUJ in tackling her various challenges.
Highlights of the occasion were conferment of NUJ Grand Patron on Governor Ikpeazu, presentation of lectures by the representative of the Chancellor, Gregory University Uturu, Prof. Gregory Ibe and retired Permanent Secretary and General Manager, MCL, Sir. Chimdi Oluoha as well as presentation of awards to deserving individuals including, Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Chief Sam Onugbo, PDP State Chairman, Sir Johnson Onuigbo, Eze Linus Nto MBA, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, The Vice Chancellor of Abia State University Uturu, Prof Uche Ikonne, Dr. Philip Nto,Hon Mandela Obasi,Eze Igwe Ojike, Sir Obi Aguocha, Bishop Dr. Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, Rev Dr. Joseph Chukwuekele Omaegbu and Mr Nonso Ogbunammiri.
