BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR
THE Delta State Government has pledged to partner the Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for accurate, effective and efficient dissemination of its policies and programmes.
Chief of Staff, Government House, Johnson Obokparo Erijo, who made the pledge when he received members of the Chapel’s Press Week Committee in his office in Asaba, lauded the choice of the theme, ‘Understanding the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda: Meaningful Development in the Power Sector, a Panacea for Economic Recovery and Development of the Country,’ saying the state government’s partnership with the federal government and the private sector in the power sector is a worthwhile project.
Erijo commended the Chapel for considering a discussion on the state government’s power project, saying it in that light would ensure investors’ confidence to invest in the project to light up Delta.
He stated that the proposed seminar and training workshop for members of the chapel and some government information managers was essential to enable journalists gather, process and disseminate accurate information on government policies and programmes.
He stated: “I am particularly very glad to know the purpose for which your programme is being organised. We are glad that you have this opinion about the state government, and as opinion moulders, correspondents shape the stories that go out through various media.
“So, your perception matters to us as a government and I am glad that you have this positive perspection about the government of Sheriff Oborevwori, and that you appreciated all that he has done towards fulfilling his electioneering promises to the people in delivering his M.O.R.E. Agenda.
“We will support and partner you to ensure that you continue to deliver accurate and effective reports about the state programmes.”
Earlier, the Committee Chairman, Omon-Julius Onabu of ThisDay, informed the chief of staff on the Press Week and the need for the state government to support the Chapel.
He said consultations were being finalised to ensure a hitchfree event and fundraising for an 18-seater bus for ease of movement, urging the state government to support the Chapel, being a dependable partner, to ensure effective coverage of its policies and programmes.
Also speaking, the Chapel’s Chairman, Ifeanyi Olannye, said the theme of the seminar and training workshop would spur discussion on the economic importance of lighting up Delta.
Olannye noted that actualising the power mix, as proposed by the state government, would not only spur development, but also transform the entire state and place it among the first to attain steady and stable power supply.
He added that the economic benefits of attaining at least 20 hours of steady power supply as a state would be unprecedented, as jobs will be created, factories work at full capacity and life be worth living in the state.
Olannye thanked the state government for its long -outstanding partnership with the Chapel, soliciting assistance to enable it hold the Press Week successfully.
