Barrister Olumide Akpata, a governorship hopeful of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2024 governorship election in Edo State, has stated that nation building is a task that everybody must take seriously.
He was speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the NUJ Edo State Council’s 2023 Press Week Awards programme held at the Council’s Secretarialast weekend.
“We’re partners in progress. Labour Party and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). Nation building is a task that everybody must take seriously. We of the LP think that people have been removed from the equation when it comes to governance.
“Nobody is really speaking about the people anymore. Which is why the LP will definitely work with the NUJ to ensure that people are brought back to the position of prominence in our politics.”
Going forward, the former President of the NBA said: “the theme chosen for this Press Week resonates deeply with the complex socio-political landscape of our nation as we navigate through economic challenges, escalating insecurity and a shrinking civil space.
“The role of the NUJ becomes increasingly paramount in fostering progress, justice and unity. The NUJ as the vanguard of journalists in Nigeria holds the sacred duty to champion values that to the entrenchment of transparency, truth and liberty.
“By upholding high ethical standards and promoting excellence in journalism, the NUJ plays a crucial role in ensuring that the press remains a formidable check against abuse of power, corruption and human rights violation.”
In his statement, the Edo State Commissioner for Communications and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, who was represented by a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Desmond Agbama, asserted that “the press is a veritable instrument for bringing about societal growth and development.
“Looking at the theme of this year’s Press Week ‘Unionism and Developmental Drive: A Panacea for Democratic Advancement’ the press indeed has a role to play in ensuring that our democracy continue to thrive.”
In his address of welcome, the Council Chairman, Comrade Festus Alenkhe reiterated that journalists practicing in the state should play a mediatory role in reporting events in the governorship poll coming up in 2024 by using their pen to bring down tension and promote peace, unity, love and perseverance.
Six notable personalities were honoured with the Edo NUJ Award of Excellence. They included Chief Osarumwense Agbonavbare; Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha, the Chief of Staff to the Edo State Government; Professor Sunny Eromosele, Proprietor of Mudiame University; Osazee Oyegue, Managing Director, Standard Life Organisation; Amb. Aisha Okojie and Cyril Omoregie, CEO D Prince Builders.
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