The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma has tasked media practitioners from the southeast region to use their profession to promote peace and development in the zone.
He asked Journalists to focus on areas of governance and development that could bring the people of the region under one umbrella and advocate for the economic progression of the zone.
The governor gave the charge recently in Owerri during a capacity-building workshop for Editors from the five Eastern States.
Uzodinma emphasized that developmental Journalism is the only bedrock in promoting economic growth and mutual interest among the people.
“It is common knowledge that the eastern region, which is rich in history and economic potential, faces numerous developmental challenges.
From infrastructure deficits to economic disparities, the road ahead is long.
As media professionals, you have the unique ability to highlight these issues, and provoke public discourse that will trigger action” he said.
The number one citizen of the state observed that the theme of the workshop, “The Media As Partners In Regional Development” is in line with his government’s policies aimed at the economic renaissance of the old eastern region.
He said the administration is aimed at revitalizing the economy of the former eastern region to actualize the economic blueprint of the late Michael Okpara, maintaining that economic integration is paramount to the survival of the region in present Nigeria.
He disclosed that his government had already started the reintegration by initiating the dredging of Oguta Lake to the Atlantic Ocean to reopen the coastal trade routes among Imo, Bayelsa and Rivers State.
Uzodinma tasked the Journalists to campaign for stronger cohesion in the region in rebuilding the political and economic alliance of the past as is done by other geopolitical zones in the federation.
The Governor noted that the fourth estate of the Realm could operate as collaborators for regional development by promoting ideas, thoughts and actions geared towards development rather than celebrating destructive and divisive tendencies in the polity.
He enjoined them to pursue issues such as the industrial and agricultural revolution of the former region to explore the feasibility of reviving those laudable projects across the states.
Speaking on the current negative effects of social media, Uzodinma charged the editors to take the lead to promote responsible journalism that will serve the public interest while safeguarding national security and social cohesion.
