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By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Awka
The leader of Labour Party (LP) caucus in the National Assembly and member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene has urged journalists to report critical issues affecting Southeast region with a view to promote accountability and economic sustainability.
Ogene disclosed this at Awka, Anambra State capital, while presenting a paper entitled defining A New Economic And Societal Order: The Role Of The Media at 2024 Summit of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, South East Zone.
According to him, thks became pertinent because practice of democratic culture remains alarmingly low among the electorate in the South East due to leadership recruitment for political offices were often heavily influenced by monetary considerations.
According to the Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy, to address this, the media must intensify its efforts to sensitize the public, emphasizing the importance of electing candidates with the capacity to deliver good governance for the greater good.
" This shift in focus is crucial to counter the prevalent practice of voters prioritizing personal gains over collective benefits during elections, especially as Anambra election draws near. Furthermore, the media has not adequately reported on critical issues affecting the region, including the scarcity of essential infrastructure, such as roads, particularly in rural areas.
"Others are insecurity, inadequate health facilities, insufficient public school structures, inadequate teacher training and skills. By highlighting these issues, the media can raise awareness and promote accountability, ultimately contributing to the region's development and progress.
" The media should also educate our people on the importance of South East Development Commission Act newly signed into law. I urge the media to play a crucial role in projecting the commission's work. This regional intervention agency aims to develop the entire zone. The media must ensure that the agency remains accountable and adheres to its mandate once established, ultimately benefiting the people," he noted.
In a keynote address, the President/Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku, urged South-East to imbibe a deliberate heart for love and forgiveness for smooth collaboration towards uplifting the zone in all spheres of lives.
He averred that "My experience in public service in the last 35 years shows that it is the man of love, with a profound heart of forgiveness, that lasts longer in the race and ultimately, carries the day in the long run. We must not dwell on the past, nor yield our hearts to our hurts, to infinity!
"May I reiterate with certainty that while the current situation may seem challenging, it is not insurmountable. With the right mindset, policies, partnerships, respect, love, and collective effort, the South East can reclaim its position as a leading economic zone in Nigeria.
"The key lies in recognising our challenges, harnessing our strengths, and creating an enabling environment that attracts and retains investments. By building a strong foundation of faith, strategic support, exemplary leadership, and effective storytelling, we can transform our region into a beacon of progress and prosperity, leading to sustainable development, the essence of our gathering here today."
Other speakers at the occasion, including Governor Chukwuma Soludo represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, the Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Protocol to the Governor, Mr Chinedu Nwoye-Glamour, who represented the zonal Chairman of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Lady Ada Chukwudozie, acknowledged the roles of media in promoting socioeconomic development of the country and urged them to sustain the tempo.
Earlier, the Vice President, NUJ, Southeast zone, Comrade Emmanuel Ifesinachi, observed that the programme which brought in media stakeholders and leaders of the union across the five Southeastern states, was aimed among other things to provide economic blueprint for advancing the zone.
The National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo represented by the National Secretary, Comrade Achike Chude, commended the zone for putting up such events which he believed were germane and timely to enhancing the development of both the region and Nigeria generally.
Several distinguished individuals who received awards at the occasion, included Bishop Emmanuel Obiorah, the Presiding Bishop of Life of Faith Gospel Assembly Ministries Incorporated Onitsha, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, Mr Nzubechukwu Munonye, a businessman, Mr Emeka Mba, the CEO of Afia TV and former director general of Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC),
Pastor Bright Chimezie Njoku, a philanthropist, owner of many chains of media organisations, Hon. Jude Akpua the Majority Leader, Anambra State House of Assembly, and Lady Ada Chukwudozie, the Chairman, MAN Southeast pillar of socioeconomic development.