Nigerian Governor Hope Uzodinma Charges Media to Promote Peace and Development in the Southeast Region
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma recently called upon media practitioners from the southeast region of Nigeria to utilize their profession as a driving force for promoting peace and development in the zone. This appeal was made during a capacity-building workshop for editors from the five Eastern States, held in Owerri.
Governor Uzodinma emphasized the significance of developmental journalism, stating that it serves as the foundation for promoting economic growth and mutual interest among the people. “The eastern region, rich in history and economic potential, faces numerous developmental challenges,” he said. “As media professionals, you have the unique ability to highlight these issues and provoke public discourse that will trigger action.”
The governor acknowledged that his government’s policies aim at the economic renaissance of the old eastern region, seeking to revitalize the economy and actualize the economic blueprint of the late Michael Okpara. To achieve this, Uzodinma’s administration has initiated the dredging of Oguta Lake to the Atlantic Ocean, which will reopen the coastal trade routes among Imo, Bayelsa, and Rivers State.
Uzodinma tasked journalists with campaigning for stronger cohesion in the region, rebuilding the political and economic alliance of the past, and promoting ideas and actions geared towards development. He also encouraged them to explore the feasibility of reviving the industrial and agricultural revolution of the former region across the states.
Moreover, the governor addressed the negative effects of social media, urging editors to take the lead in promoting responsible journalism that serves the public interest while safeguarding national security and social cohesion. By working together, Governor Uzodinma believes that the media can play a vital role in shaping the region’s development and promoting peace.
