The Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo has charged working Journalists in the state to use their profession in promoting peace and unity among the people of the state.
Governor Ododo gave the charge at the Grand Finale of the 2024 Press Week and Investiture ceremony of the Nigeria Union of Journalists,(NUJ), Kogi State Council.
Represented by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismail Isah, the Governor, his administration can not achieve it’s objectives of engaging with the people and promoting it’s achievements without the support of the media.
He therefore charged Journalists in Kogi state to report accurately in accordance to the ethics of journalism profession in order to promote inter-ethnic unity, community engagements and inclusivity in governance.
In his speech, the Chairman of the occasion and Ohimegye Igu Kingdom, HRM, Saidu Akawu Salihu advised Journalists to use the media as a tool for promoting the diverse cultures and ethnicity in Kogi State.
The monarch who was represented by Dr. Abdulkareem Shaibu, the royal father charged Kogi media practitioners to be an agents of unity, peace, dialogue in the interest of the State.
Also in his remark, the National President, NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, charged the people of the state to channel their efforts towards promoting unity and enhancement of humanity.
Represented by NUJ National Deputy President , Alhassan Yahaya , Comrade Isiguzo further urged media professionals to focus more on their mandate of sensitizing the public and holding government accountable as contained in section 2 of the NUJ constitution.
The national President used the occasion to appreciate Kogi council for its support and cooperation.
Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of Union Recognitions or awards to three personalities who have in their various endeavours positively affected the lives of the people.
The personalities are; Chief Ambassador Funmilayo Bodunde, the Yeye Oba of Iyara who was conferred with the award of “Icon of Humanitarian Services and Community Development”.
Dr Shaibu Oricha , the Director General, Government House Administration Lokoja , who was conferred with the award of “Icon of Selfless Service and Administration Per Excellence” and Honourable Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims, Deputy House Leader and member representing Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abuja, Conferred with the ” NUJ Award for Qualitative Representation”.
