*Reaffirms Commitment To Media Partnership DELTA State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday, August 11, presented a brand-new 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, to enhance the mobility and operational capacity of journalists in the state. Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Festus Ahon, who formally presented the vehicle to the state NUJ Chairman, Churchill Oyowe, in Asaba, on behalf of the governor, said the gesture underscored the enduring relationship between the state government and the media, acknowledging journalists’ critical role in public enlightenment, accountability and promotion of development. Presenting the vehicle, Ahon said the bus was provided for the use of the union and journalists across the state to facilitate their movement in the course of their assignments, adding that the intervention reflected Oborevwori’s recognition of the media as an important partner in the development process. He expressed confidence that the gesture would further strengthen the existing relationship between the government and the NUJ, and create opportunities for deeper collaboration in the interest of the state and its people. Receiving the vehicle, Oyowe thanked the governor for the intervention, which he described as evidence of a leadership that not only makes promises, but also backs them with concrete action. He said the bus would significantly improve the ability of journalists to carry out their professional responsibilities, expressing NUJ’s appreciation of Oborevwori administration’s support. He said: “We want to say a very big thank you to His Excellency for this gesture. We do not take it for granted. This is yet another demonstration of a leadership that understands the needs of institutions and professionals who contribute to the development of the state.” Oyowe used the opportunity to appreciate Ahon; Secretary to the State Government, Kingsley Emu; and Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, for their contributions to the actualisation of the intervention. He also commended the governor for the ongoing provision of solar power for the NUJ secretariat in Asaba, acknowledging his administration’s support for the media and its commitment to the progress of the state. In a related development, the government also presented a 30-seater Coastal bus to the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale, as part of efforts to support its administration and operations. Presenting the vehicle to the institution at Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday, the governor, represented by his Deputy, Monday Onyeme, said the gesture demonstrated the government’s commitment to supporting the university and its leadership in achieving its mandate. He said the state government recognised the important role the institution plays in education, human capital development and the future of Delta State and Nigeria, assuring of its willingness to partner the university to ensure that the vision and objectives for which the Federal Government established the institution were fully realised. The governor said the state was home to several federal universities and other tertiary institutions, in addition to state-owned institutions, all of which required government attention and support, adding: “We are committed to working with you and supporting the institution within the limits of our capacity. “Obviously, we cannot do everything, but where there is something we can reasonably do to assist the institution, we will always be willing to consider it. “The vehicle that was pledged is now being presented to you.” Oborevwori expressed the hope that the vehicle would contribute meaningfully to the smooth administration and effective operations of the university. Receiving the vehicle, the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Abel Nze Onunu, expressed appreciation to Oborevwori for fulfilling his promise to donate a vehicle to the institution, saying the gesture would significantly boost the university’s operations and enhance its capacity to fulfill its mandate. Onunu expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between the university and the state government would contribute significantly to addressing the shortage of medical personnel in the country.
