The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged the media to enhance its role in promoting balanced and factual reporting as a means to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy. Speaking at the 30th anniversary of the state-owned newspaper The Pointer, which focused on “Honouring Truth and Unity Through Excellence in Public Communication,” he emphasized that the media should facilitate national unity through responsible journalism. During this occasion, Oborevwori received The Pointer’s “Exemplary Democrat and Transformational Leadership Award,” highlighting the importance of the press in holding political leaders accountable and ensuring their actions align with constitutional mandates.
The governor articulated that journalists have a responsibility to avoid exacerbating religious and ethnic tensions that can undermine peace and development in the country. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to collaborative efforts with the media to create an environment conducive for journalists to perform their duties without obstruction. Oborevwori specifically requested journalists to prioritize accuracy and fairness by verifying information with relevant government officials before publication, reflecting the ethical standards of the profession and steering clear of sensationalism or blackmail.
Praising The Pointer for its role in traditional media, Oborevwori acknowledged the publication’s contributions to the promotion of government policies and programs while fostering unity and peaceful coexistence. He commended The Pointer for maintaining professionalism, a reader-friendly layout, and for being a training ground for many journalists who have ascended to significant roles in government. Despite these accolades, the governor recognized challenges facing the newspaper, including declining circulation, inadequate advertising revenue, and a weak online presence that hinder its financial independence after three decades of operation.
In light of these challenges, Oborevwori challenged the management of The Pointer to reevaluate their operational strategies to achieve financial sustainability. He likened the situation to a dependency of a thirty-year-old on parental support, arguing that the newspaper must evolve to exploit market opportunities effectively. Urging for a mindset shift, he stressed the necessity for The Pointer to enhance its online presence, considering the rising trend of consumers relying on digital platforms for news and information.
The occasion featured remarks from various dignitaries, including former Minister of Information, Sam Oyavbaire, who praised The Pointer for nurturing talented journalists and being a leading state-owned media outlet in Nigeria. He urged the management to continue their efforts in aligning with government policies and stressed the need for ongoing training for staff to ensure high-quality journalism. The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Ifeanyi Osuoza, also reflected on the newspaper’s achievements, citing its effective information dissemination across the state and the professionalism of its team, while appealing for increased print runs.
Ebenezer Okorodudu, Chairman of The Delta Printing and Publishing Corporation, emphasized that The Pointer has been dedicated to providing accurate information to its audience. He announced that 20% of the newspaper’s revenue is allocated to staff training and development, underscoring the commitment to fostering a competent workforce. The collective messages from the governor and other speakers during the anniversary serve as a clarion call for The Pointer and the media in general to adapt and overcome current challenges, thereby playing a pivotal role in the ongoing narrative of Nigeria’s democratic development.
