Delta State Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu has said that plans were in top gear for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State to formally engage the media establishment in the state as part of a renewed partnership to discuss the major developmental milestones achieved in the first two years of the present administration in the state.
Speaking while receiving the leadership of the Elders and Veterans’ Forum of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Aniagwu Said that the governor’s press briefing would avail journalists in the state, including the veterans and elders of the union, the opportunity to get first-hand information about happenings in the different sectors in the state, as well as make useful suggestions on the way forward.
While thanking the forum for their tireless efforts in supporting and guiding the NUJ in the state, Aniagwu advised journalists in the state to focus on developmental journalism that would ensure a better society for all rather than continually bickering over petty pecuniary gains.
Aniagwu expressed the willingness of the state government to engage in capacity building engagements with journalists as part of the issues raised by the forum, but lamented that journalists tend to focus on immediate financial gains rather than the more beneficial knowledge and skills to be gained from such training engagements.
The commissioner advised the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, as well as other unions, to carry out their affairs with the mindset that every position they occupy is transient, and they should ensure they leave a legacy worth emulating when they leave the office.
Describing his position as commissioner as a privilege which he would continue to use to contribute his quota to the development of the state, Aniagwu stressed that he would continue to be accessible to journalists in the state in order to encourage a culture of collaboration and constructive engagement on developmental issues.
Speaking earlier, leader of the Forum and one-time Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Pastor Edward Ogude, commended the commissioner for what he described as the effectiveness of Mr. Aniagwu’s efforts to “defend, propagate and bring to the fore the programmes and policies of the state government.”
Ogude, who commended the commissioner for his partnership with the Delta NUJ, appealed for opportunities for training in developmental journalism strategies for Delta Journalists to enable them to be more impactful and progressive in their reportage.
While commending the commissioner for intervening in the internal crisis that rocked the state council of the NUJ a few months earlier, Pastor Ogude appealed for the inclusion of veterans and elders for consideration for political appointments as members of the group have the experience to serve the state even after retirement from the civil service.
The forum further highlights the need for a continuous partnership between the state government and the Nigeria Union of Journalist as partners in progress for a greater and more prosperous Delta State.
