By Aduku Aruwa
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has urged journalists in the state to promote peaceful existence and unity among the various ethnic groups in the state.
He made the call during the Grand Finale of the 2024 Press Week and Investiture ceremony of the Nigeria Union of Journalists,(NUJ), Kogi State Council.
Speaking, Governor Ododo congratulated Kogi NUJ for successfully marking another Press Week; recognising their indispensable connection to good governance and the preservation of democracy.
According to him, the state government cannot achieve it’s objectives of engaging with the people and promoting it’s achievements without the support of the media.
Represented by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismail Isah, Governor Ododo said his administration was proud of the existing relationship as well as partnership with the media while assuring to look into the union’s request before government in distant time.
He further charged journalists in Kogi state to strive to highlight stories that promote inter-ethnic unity, community engagements, inclusivity in governance, women issues adding that the administration was poised to take governance back to the people.
The Chairman of the Occasion and Ohimegye Igu Kingdom, HRM, Saidu Akawu Salihu advised Journalists to use the media as a tool for promoting the diverse cultures, ethnicity and tradition Kogi state is blessed with to the global community..
Represented by Dr Abdulkareem Shaibu, the royal father further enjoined Kogi media practitioners to promte unity, peace, dialogue and other initiatives essential for fostering trust and building relationships across ethnic lines in the interest of the sustained growth and development of the state.
In his contribution, the National President, NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo in his address equally charged the people of the state to eschew ethnic and other differences and channel their efforts towards promoting unity and enhancement of humanity.
Represented by NUJ National Deputy President , Alhassan Yahaya , Comrade Isiguzo further urged media professionals to focus more on their mandate of sensitising the public and holding government accountable as contained in section 2 of the NUJ constitution.
On its part, he said the national leadership of the union was already advocating for better welfare and enumeration for journalists through the salary enhancement bill.
He urged private proprietors of media houses in the country not to nurse any fears as the union was equally advocating for a bailout that would ensure sustained activities.
The national President used the occasion to appreciate Kogi council for its support and cooperation. He then congratulated the state as it celebrates it’s week while urging others to emulate them.
The event was spiced with contributions from the Guest Speaker and Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi who delivery a lecture centered around Celebrating Diversity, Ethnic Unity and the Role of Kogi Media in Promoting Inter-Ethnic Cooperation.
Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of Union Recognitions or awards to three personalities who have in their various endeavours positively affected the lives of the people.
The personalities are; Chief Ambassador Funmilayo Bodunde, the Yeye Oba of Iyara who was conferred with the award of “Icon of Humanitarian Services and Community Development”.
Doctor Shaibu Oricha ,the Director General, Government House Administration Lokoja , who was conferred with the award of “Icon of Selfless Service and Administration Per Excellence” and Honourable Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims, Deputy House Leader and member representating Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives,Abuja, Conferred wiy the ” NUJ Award for Qualitative Representation”.
Although Governor Ododo was earlier penciled for the conferement of Grand Patron of NUJ honour during the ceremony, the even had to be deferred in line with the rules of the union that frowns at decoration by proxy.
