The 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, continued on Saturday at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Ekeki, Yenagoa, emphasizing the crucial role of the media in promoting social justice, national development, and accountability.
With the theme “Media, Social Justice and National Development,” the event brought together journalists, scholars, policymakers, and government officials to deliberate on the media’s role as the fourth estate and its responsibility toward societal progress.
In his opening remarks, the Bayelsa NUJ Chairman, Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha, described this year’s Press Week as a milestone, being the first under the current executive elected in November 2024. He credited the council’s early successes to the support of key stakeholders, including Governor Douye Diri, Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewrhujakpo, and the Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, while also acknowledging contributions from former chairpersons, veterans, and the NUJ’s National and Zone F leaderships.
Professor Solomon Ebobrah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, who served as chairman of the event, urged journalists to adopt a proactive approach to social justice, stressing that their privileged position carries responsibility. He encouraged media practitioners to reflect on their roles as agents of societal change, particularly within the South-South region.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Mr. Ifie Borisei, representing the Commissioner for Information, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting NUJ’s efforts to maintain its watchdog role and pledged continued collaboration with the union to advance its objectives.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor John Kalama of the Department of Political Science, Federal University, Otueke, highlighted the media’s critical role in Nigeria’s national development and social justice. Tracing the evolution of pre-colonial and post-colonial media, he emphasized its centrality in advocating transparency, equity, and inclusive growth. He also referenced international and domestic legal frameworks protecting journalists, urging practitioners to leverage these laws to ensure both safety and integrity in reporting.
South-South Zonal Secretary of the NUJ, Comrade John Angese, standing in for the National President, commended Comrade Yemoleigha for raising the standard of the Press Week. He encouraged members to engage actively across state councils, advocate for journalist welfare, and strengthen the union’s role as a societal watchdog.
A panel discussion featuring Professor Christian Diri of the University of Otueke, General Manager of People’s FM, Mrs. Adetokumbo Adeoko, and Director-General of New Media, Dr. Kolawole Oredipe, explored the media’s ongoing struggle for social justice and national development. Panelists emphasized resilience, responsibility, and ethical reporting as essential qualities for journalists committed to societal progress.
The high point of the program was the presentation of awards of excellence with Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, recognized for his contributions to infrastructural and socio-economic development. Other recipients included the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, and other individuals who have made notable impacts in public service.
Represented by Dr. Kolawole Oredipe, the governor thanked the union for the honour and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with journalists to promote transparency and citizen engagement.
And in attendance were the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16 Command Headquarters, AIG Johnson Oluwole Adenola, represented by SP Gunn Ewhoborwo Emonena the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, representatives the Nigerian Navy, other security officers, Chief Clement Kekemike, Chairman of NBA Yenagoa branch, including government officials, reflecting the broad support for media engagement in governance and development.
