By Ebi Nieketien
Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, has expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Ijaw Journalists Association Worldwide (IJAW) to promote unity, and sustainable development across the Ijaw nation.
Orubebe stated this while receiving members of the association, led by its President, Mr. Bulou Kosin, on a courtesy visit to Ogbobagbene.
The former minister decried the unconstructive criticism by some journalists against Ijaw political leaders, urging media practitioners of Ijaw extraction to channel their influence towards constructive reporting that would foster development rather than constant attacks.
According to him, journalists in the region should engage Ijaw leaders to understand the constraints they face in governance and leadership, noting that many criticisms were often made without knowledge of the challenges confronting those in public office.
Orubebe said he was particularly displeased by persistent insults directed at Ijaw elected officials and appointees, stressing that leadership comes with challenges that many critics may not appreciate until they find themselves in similar positions.
He encouraged the association to engage other Ijaw leaders in the state, with a view to understanding their challenges and fostering collaboration for the collective good of the Ijaw people.
Earlier in his address, the President of IJAW, Mr. Bulou Kosin, noted that the visit was informed by the belief that Ijaw journalists have a responsibility to report constructively about Ijaw leaders and the Ijaw nation.
According to him, the association was concerned about the marginalization of the Ijaw people, noting that despite ongoing development across the state, the Ijaw nation appears excluded from key opportunities, including access to tertiary institutions and other critical development projects.
Kosin urged the Minister to use his influence and contacts at both the national and state levels, to revive abandoned projects, particularly the skills acquisition centre in Tuomo, which he said, would empower Ijaw youths and address unemployment.
He assured the former minister that the association was open to collaboration that would enable the propagation of ideas designed to bring development in the Ijaw nation.
