The Chief Executive Officer of Naija Live TV, Mr Saint Mienpamo Onitsha, has pledged the station’s support for an anti drug sensitisation campaign planned by the United Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in secondary schools across Bayelsa State.
Onitsha gave the assurance when the executives of the United Correspondents Chapel, NUJ, Bayelsa State Council, paid him a courtesy visit in Yenagoa.
He described the NUJ, particularly the Bayelsa State Council, as one big family and assured the chapel of the station’s support.
“I want to assure you that Naija Live TV is open for collaboration. I hold the NUJ, especially the Bayelsa State chapter, in the highest esteem. We are one big family.”
Onitsha also highlighted some of the challenges confronting media organisations in the state, recalling that Naija Live TV was shut down for several months during the Supreme Court case that led to the removal of David Lyon after the station reported that a court had issued a subpoena to a deputy governor.
“The report was not false. It put the record straight. But that was our offence. We spent millions defending ourselves. At the end of the day, we came out victorious,” he said.
He added that the station recently won another court case linked to Governor Douye Diri’s second term election.
“The matter was struck out for lack of diligent prosecution. I have not even defended myself. But we have spent millions trying to show the world that we are innocent of those false allegations,” Onitsha said.
He appealed to government officials and politicians to allow journalists to operate without hindrance, stressing that media organisations employ several people and contribute to the state’s economy.
Earlier, Chairman of the United Correspondents Chapel, Mr Amgbare Ekaunkumo, said the visit was aimed at fostering collaboration with Naija Live TV on news content and seeking support for the chapel’s forthcoming sensitisation programme in selected secondary schools in Yenagoa.
He said the programme, with the theme, “Menace of Drug Abuse, Cultism, Cybercrime and the Future of Bayelsa Students,” seeks to address social vices affecting young people.
Amgbare commended Naija Live TV for its factual reporting and youth oriented programmes, which he said had earned the station several awards.
He expressed confidence that the engagement would strengthen synergy in news dissemination and joint sensitisation campaigns, while thanking the station’s management for its warm reception.
He described Onitsha as a passionate and visionary media practitioner who has carved a niche for himself in the industry.
