The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has asked local newspaper reporters to talk more about the problems in their communities. He wants them to help the government know what people really need so action can be taken to make things better.
Governor Oborevwori said this during a media seminar held in Asaba, the state capital. The event was organized by the Press Unit at Government House for community newspaper publishers—the people who run small local newspapers in towns and villages.
The Governor was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu. He said local journalists are the best people to report on what is happening around them, especially since big national newspapers might not have the time to cover every small town.
“If every community reports what the government is doing, then all communities will be heard. That is the job of community newspapers,” said the Governor.
He also promised that his government will continue to support community newspapers because they are very important to him. He encouraged them to report more on important topics like health, roads, and other development issues. He also reminded them to help share stories about the government’s MORE Agenda—a plan to do More Opportunities, Reforms, and Empowerment for the people of Delta State.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, also spoke at the event. He was represented by Mr. Harold Oji, a director in the ministry. Mr. Aniagwu said that training journalists helps them do their jobs better and that the state government is happy to keep working with the media.
“No matter what the government achieves, if the media doesn’t report it, no one will know,” he said.
The Chairman of the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Churchill Oyowe, also spoke. He said the seminar was a great chance for journalists to improve their skills and learn how to write fair and truthful stories that help society.
The seminar was put together by Prince Eromosere Orhomonokpaye, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Newspapers. He thanked Governor Oborevwori for approving the event. He said the goal was to help local newspaper publishers understand how to report better—not just about the governor’s work but also about everyday events in their communities.
Speakers at the seminar included:
- Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara
- Mr. Pius Mordi, a communication expert
There were also messages of support from top Delta State officials like:
- Mr. Peter Uviejitobor, Commissioner for Oil and Gas
- Professor Tonukari Nyerhovwo, Commissioner for Higher Education
- Mr. Etagherure Ejiro Terry, Commissioner for Special Duties
- Mr. Thankgod Trakiriowei, Commissioner for Youth Development
- Representatives from the ministries of Economic Planning, Culture and Tourism, Basic and Secondary Education, and the Chief Adviser to the Governor, Senator Ighoyota Amori.
The theme of the seminar was: “The Impact of Adequate Reporting of the MORE Agenda to the Grassroots.”
The event ended with a message for community journalists: keep reporting on the real issues people face every day, and your stories will help the government make things better for everyone.