By Jide Dominic, Yenagoa
For the purpose of enlightening the general public over the steps the Bayelsa State Ministry of Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development has been taking to care for vulnerable women and children in the state, the Ministry has pledged to partner with the United Correspondents Chapel (UCC) of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council.
The Commissioner in charge of the Ministry, Joana Gigi, who stated this during a courtesy visit by members of the Chapel to her office in Yenagoa, also reiterated that the need to partner with the media is quite essential, particularly when viewed against the backdrop of the critical role the media plays in shaping the opinion of the people in the society about the activities of government.
Joana Gigi noted that she operates an open door policy, enjoining the media to shun biased reportage but always ensure they balance up their news while discharging their statutory responsibilities.
According to her, “the media is the voice of the voiceless as it disseminates basic and critical information for the overall growth of the people.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Ekaunkumo Amgbare, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Comrade John Odhe, said members of the Chapel considered it highly necessary to collaborate with the Ministry with a view to further enlightening the public about the activities of the Ministry as it plays a major role of empowering women and children in the state, adding that the warm reception given to the Chapel is a pointer to the fact that the Ministry is ready to actualise the reason for the visit.
