Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barr George Ariolu has urged media practitioners to intensify efforts in service delivery and rededicate themselves to the role of being watchdogs of society.
He said journalists should appraise and recommit themselves to the ethics that guides the noble profession to ensure proper education and enlightenment of the masses, which is the core essence of journalism.
Ariolu gave this charge on Tuesday, when he received members of Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ), Rivers State Television Chapel at the Council Headquarters, Rumuodomaya.
While speaking, he observed the significant role of media in the growth and development of the society but frowned at damaging reports being concocted on social media, particularly by journalists who fail to properly investigate and verify such reports before making them public, adding that it has continued to demean the good works of trained journalists.
He urged them to desist from promoting negative narratives about politics and politicians, rather they should continue to project facts in the society.
According to him, “we have people that are doing well at different cadres of government or political positions, project them, let the younger ones know that there is future for us through politics because the world is talking about democracy and it has come to stay.”
“What you project gives the younger ones the mindset that for you to get big money, you have to come to politics without even projecting the tenance of good governance.”
“We need to redouble our efforts in changing these negative narratives about politics and politicians,” Ariolu added.
He pointed out that one of such politician that needs to be projected is the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike whose tremendous and remarkable achievements has continued to impact positively on the lives of Rivers people.
He challenged journalists to identify and showcase leaders with good qualities to the public and also educate them through documentaries and stories on the importance to go out and cast their vote.
While urging them to maintain good morals and value in the discharge of their duties, Ariolu described governance as a tool through which value is added to improve lives and enhance economic growth in the society.
He explained that in his administration, citizens have continued to enjoy quality programs and policies which has given rise to a paradigm shift in the system of governance in the area.
Meanwhile, Ariolu promised that he will donate to the NUJ, a digital video camera and microphone which will boost service delivery and enhance quality propagation of information to the masses.
In her address, Chairman of NUJ, RSTV Chapter, Joy Edmund hailed Ariolu’s overwhelming impact in governance, particularly in the area of human capacity development, infrastructure and worker’s welfare.
She also recognised the healthy relationship that exist between Ariolu’s administration and the media, commending him for his contributions towards changing the negative narratives in Obio/Akpor. She lamented some challenges facing the NUJ which has drastically affected adequate and effective coverage and dissemination of news to the grassroots.
She used the occasion to present a leadership award to the Chairman and also inform him about their forthcoming end of year program slated to hold later in December.
Ichenwo Goodluck
Chief press secretary
Obio/Akpor LGA
5/10/2022
