By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has charged media practitioners to protect their integrity, saying it is not only the cornerstone of their profession but that it also builds trust with the public and fortifies the foundations of a healthy democracy.
Senator Diri also said that the press as the fourth pillar of democracy had become more critical in serving as a beacon of hope and in promoting understanding and unity.
The Bayelsa governor stated this on Thursday as host of the three-day 20th All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC) 2024 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Describing the theme of the conference: “Economic Growth and Development Strategies in Resource-Rich Country,” as relevant and timely, the Bayelsa governor said Nigerians were at a pivotal moment in the country’s journey towards sustainable development.
He emphasised that while Nigeria brims with abundant resources, poverty and underdevelopment persist across countless communities, a situation he described as paradoxical.
He said: “ln Bayelsa State, for instance, a major contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas production, we face severe environmental challenges and economic hardship.
“As editors and chief communicators in our society, you have the power to shine a light on these injustices. Therefore, we implore you as editors and influential voices to advocate for policies that prioritise sustainable development and empower local communities.
“The discussions are not just abstract concepts. They directly affect people’s lives, particularly those suffering from resource exploitation, environmental harm, and unequal economic access.”
President Bola Tinubu, while declaring the conference open, hailed the individual and collective efforts of veteran journalists towards ensuring Nigeria’s democracy remained unbroken.
President Tinubu said the country’s democracy coukd not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of the media.
Represented by the Minister of Information and Orientation, Alhaji Muhammad Idris, the president called on members of the Guild to see themselves as partners in progress with government at all levels.
His words: “It is your constitutional duty to criticize what is wrong, but you must not lose sight of the fact that you must have a nation. Nigeria must exist before its newspapers exist.
“So, when you play your very important role to keep Nigeria going, please also ensure that Nigeria has to survive; Nigeria has to exist.”
Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, represented by his Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpan, appreciated Senator Diri for hosting the conference.