Southeast media professionals have been tasked by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma to utilize their profession to advance peace and development in the area.
He urged journalists to concentrate on areas of development and administration that could unite the local populace and promote the zone’s economic advancement.
During a capacity-building workshop for editors from the five Eastern States, the governor recently gave the charge in Owerri.
Uzodinma underlined that the only surefire way to foster economic expansion and inter-personal interest is through developmental journalism.
“It is common knowledge that the eastern region, which is rich in history and economic potential, faces numerous developmental challenges.
The road ahead is lengthy and includes issues like economic inequality and inadequate infrastructure.
You have a special opportunity as media professionals to draw attention to these problems and start a conversation that will lead to action,” he stated.
The state’s top citizen said that the workshop’s topic, “The Media As Partners In Regional Development,” aligns with his government’s plans to revitalize the old eastern region’s economy.
He underlined that economic integration is essential to the region’s survival in modern-day Nigeria and stated that the administration’s goal is to revive the economy of the erstwhile eastern region in order to implement the late Michael Okpara’s economic strategy.
He revealed that in order to restore the coastal trade routes between Imo, Bayelsa, and Rivers State, his government had already begun the reintegration process by beginning the dredging of Oguta Lake to the Atlantic Ocean.
As other geographical zones in the federation reestablish their historical political and economic alliances, Uzodinma assigned the journalists the job of advocating for greater regional cohesiveness.
The Governor pointed out that rather than celebrating divisive and destructive inclinations in the polity, the fourth estate of the Realm may work as partners for regional development by advancing ideas, thoughts, and actions aimed at development.
In order to determine if it would be feasible to revive those admirable projects throughout the states, he encouraged them to investigate topics like the industrial and agricultural revolution of the former region.
Uzodinma urged the editors to take the initiative in promoting responsible journalism that will serve the public interest while preserving social cohesion and national security, in light of the current detrimental consequences of social media.
