Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has emphasised the crucial role of editors in shaping public discourse, calling for responsible and developmental journalism practices.
Uzodimma made the call on Wednesday at a two-day capacity-building workshop for editors and media executives in the South-South and the South-East geo-political zones in Owerri.
The theme of the two-day workshop organized by the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) is: “The Media as Partners in Regional Development”.
The governor, who declared the NGE workshop open, said responsible journalism was the cornerstone of transparency, accountability and good governance.
He noted that the Eastern Region, rich in history and economic potential, faced numerous developmental challenges from infrastructure deficits to economic disparities.
“I encourage the media, particularly those in the former Eastern and parts of the former Mid-Western Nigeria, to pursue agricultural and industrial revolution.
“We should encourage a strong relationship among all the states of the South-East and South-South to enable us negotiate effectively with the rest of Nigeria on issues that concern us,” he stressed.
Uzodimma said that the theme of the workshop aligned with his administration’s commitment to regional development.
The governor said the initiative by his administration to dredge Oguta Lake to the Atlantic Ocean, aimed to re-establish the coastal trade route that previously existed from Imo through Bayelsa and Rivers States.
“It will also reactivate our cultural ties and strengthen our bond as a people,” he stressed.
While expressing concerns over the challenges posed by social media in the society, the governor urged the editors to play crucial role in upholding journalistic standards and ethics.
“This does not mean restricting our fundamental rights but ensuring that our media space promotes constructive dialogue and development,” he added.
Uzodimma, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Chinyere Ekomaru, promised to sustain collaboration with all professional bodies to enhance development not only in Imo and eastern Nigeria, but throughout the country.
In his address, the President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr Eze Anaba, said the workshop was to explore how the media could play a transformative role in driving sustainable development in the regions.
“Our regions face numerous challenges—ranging from economic inequality and environmental degradation to health crises and social unrest,” he noted.
The president said that the South- East and South-South regions had been battered by all sorts of crises that had impacted negatively on vulnerable members of these regions.
“Although one cannot deny the problems poor governance have caused in these regions, this scenario challenges us to dig deep and highlight the economic and social conditions of the people which can prompt agencies like UNICEF to intervene.
“The stories we tell can shine a light on solutions, foster collaboration across sectors, and empower citizens to take action,” he noted.
In her remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Chinyere Okunna, urged the editors and media executives to join forces to fight underdevelopment in the two regions.
Okunna also appealed to UNICEF to further beam its searchlight on South-East and South-South regions, and intervene in the social and economic problems facing the regions.
Mrs Juliet Chiluwa, Head of UNICEF Enugu Field Office, stressed the value of media collaboration in championing the rights and well-being of vulnerable populations, particularly children and women.
Chiluwa said the strategic partnership with the media was vital in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Further reports that the NGE workshop was organised in partnership with Imo State Government and UNICEF.