Be professional, objective in your assignment, Otti charges journalists
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has charged members of the Renewed Hope Projects Media Tour to carry out their assignment with the principle of professionalism, objectives, fairness and accuracy.
Otti gave the charge on Tuesday, at Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia, during the reception organised to receive members of the Renewed Hope Projects Media Tour , who are in Abia to inspect various projects done in collaboration with the federal government as well as those ones done by the state Governor.
The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu described the visit as a significant step towards promoting transparency, accountability, and public awareness of government projects and policies across the country, said he public depends on the media , hence the need for the team not to merely report events, but to provide context, balance and truth.
“In carrying out this responsibility, I urge you to remain steadfast in the principle of professionalism, objectives, fairness and accuracy.
“The pursuit of truth must always remain the guiding principle of journalism. As custodians of public information, your words and reports have the power to unite or divide, to inspire confidence or create doubt, and to promote understanding of moral misconceptions.
“The nation requires journalists who can rise above such analysis, resist misinformation and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Gov. Otti stated.
He told them to feel free to visit the cities, communities, institutions and project sites across Abia state, noting that in the past three years, his administration has remained committed to rebuilding public trust through transparent governance, improving infrastructure and affecting lives positively.
“Beyond official briefings and presentations. We encourage you to see for yourselves the transformations taking place across the state.
“I encourage you to engage deeply with the realities on ground and tell the stories that truly matter to our people.
“Over the past three years, our administration has remained committed to rebuilding public trust through transparent governance, improving infrastructure, enhancing security, revitalisation of education and healthcare sectors, supporting businesses and creating an enabling environment for economic growth and investment.
“The progress being recorded is not merely reflected in statistics, it is visible in the renewed confidence of our people and the ongoing transformation of communities across the state, which reflects the renewed hope agenda.
“We welcome scrutiny because we believe that genuine progress should be seen, assessed and reported objectively.
“We therefore encourage you to interact freely with residents, visit our cities, engage stakeholders and witness firsthand the developments that have taken place under our administration,” Gov. Otti stated.
Otti used the opportunity to emphasise the importance of grooming and mentoring the next generation of journalists, noting that the future of the profession rests in the hands of young Nigerians who are looking up to today’s media practitioners as examples.
“As they venture into various aspects of journalism, weather print, broadcast, digital media, investigative reporting, public affairs or development communication, it is imperative that they are equipped not only with technical skills, but also with strong ethical values, integrity, exercising any commitment to the public good.
“We need young professionals who understand that journalism is not merely a profession, but a public trust,” Gov. Otti stated.
He commended the Presidency, through the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, for initiating the media tour and providing Nigerians with firsthand information on government projects.
In his speech, Speaking on behalf of the Renewed Hope Media Tour team, the leader of the team and Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Chief Bayo Onanuga said that the media tour would provide participants with the opportunity to inspect key federal and state projects objectively as well as see the developmental strides being recorded across the country.
Onanuga,who thanked the Otti for the warm reception, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Federal and State Governments in driving national development.and praised the cordial relationship between the federal government and state governments, saying economic reforms of Mr President had increased resources available to states for development projects
“The federal and state governments are working together for the progress of Nigerians. The resources now available to states are enabling them to undertake projects that improve the lives of citizens,” Onanuga said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu urged members of the media team to approach the assignment with professionalism, objectivity, and commitment to truth, while encouraging them to experience the hospitality, resilience, and progressive spirit of the people of Abia state.
“Your reports will help shape public understanding of the efforts being made by governments at different levels to address national challenges and improve the lives of our citizens,” Prince Kanu stated.
He said that the visit was significant because it reflects the growing spirit of collaboration between the federal government and the Abia state government in advancing development, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the welfare of the people.
He noted that, “Since assuming office, Governor Alex Otti has consistently maintained that governance should be driven by service, results, and partnerships.
“This philosophy has guided the administration’s engagement with the Federal Government, development partners, private sector stakeholders, and various institutions to accelerate progress across critical sectors including infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and economic development,” Prince Kanu stated.
The reception attracted the presence of the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly Rt.Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Chief of staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, top government officials, clergy’s among other dignitaries.