Abuja, NIGERIA — The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting community-based media during the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN) Delta State Council 2024 Annual Publishers Lecture and Awards held on Thursday, October 27, 2024, at Vienna Hotel, Asaba.
Though unable to attend in person, Governor Oborevwori was represented at the occasion by Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, the Senior Political Adviser to the Governor. Aguariavwodo conveyed the Governor’s sincere appreciation for the critical role that community newspapers play in fostering grassroots development and ensuring effective communication between the government and the people.
Speaking at the event, Senator Aguariavwodo expressed that the Delta State Government would continue to work closely with the ACNPN, emphasizing that the administration is committed to strengthening the partnership with community-based media outlets. He further reassured the association that the government would remain supportive of their efforts to serve the public and promote local issues. “Governor Oborevwori believes in the power of community newspapers to drive change and empower the people. As such, we will continue to provide support and collaborate with your esteemed association in no small measure,” he said.
In his remarks, Aguariavwodo highlighted the importance of community media as a vital tool for nation-building, noting that it offers a platform for disseminating information that directly impacts the daily lives of the people. He encouraged the publishers to keep up the good work, stressing that their role in shaping public discourse and holding both the government and citizens accountable cannot be overstated.
The event also marked a moment of reflection on the leadership of the outgoing Chairman of the ACNPN Delta State Council, Comrade Jude Obiemenyego.
Senator Aguariavwodo commended Obiemenyego for his exemplary leadership and his contributions to the growth of the association. “Comrade Obiemenyego has done an exceptional job in steering the affairs of the association, and we acknowledge his tireless work over the years,” said Aguariavwodo. He also promised that the Governor would continue to collaborate with the new leadership of the ACNPN, ensuring that the association remains a key partner in Delta State’s media landscape.
The highlight of the event was a lecture titled *”The Incessant Killings in the Country: Building Synergy Between the Government and the Grassroots for Effective Remedy,”* delivered by ACP Alex Udeze of the Asaba Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force. ACP Udeze’s lecture focused on the troubling issue of violent crimes and insecurity in the country, with an emphasis on how a collaborative approach between the government, law enforcement, and the grassroots could help address the root causes of violence.
In his presentation, ACP Udeze called for stronger partnerships between the police and community leaders, particularly media practitioners, to create awareness and implement preventive measures. He emphasized that community newspapers, as platforms of local communication, can play a significant role in educating the public, promoting peace-building initiatives, and fostering cooperation between citizens and security agencies.
“The solution to insecurity lies in the collective efforts of all stakeholders,” Udeze said. He encouraged both government officials and members of the community to engage more actively in efforts to reduce crime and promote a culture of peace and safety in the state and across the country.
The event also featured the recognition and award of outstanding community newspaper publishers and contributors to the media industry in Delta State. The awards ceremony served to highlight the importance of journalistic excellence and the continued growth of community-based media.
In his opening remarks, the outgoing Chairman of ACNPN Delta State Council, Obiemenyego, expressed gratitude for the Governor’s ongoing support and reiterated the commitment of the association to continue promoting the interests of the people through responsible journalism. He pledged to maintain and build upon the achievements of his predecessor, ensuring that the ACNPN remains a strong voice for the communities it serves.
The 2024 Annual Publishers Lecture and Awards was a significant event that brought together media professionals, government officials, and community leaders to discuss the future of community-based media in Delta State, with a firm commitment to partnership, progress, and peace.