ASABA— A media parley titled “Advancing the SDGs: Media in Action” was held in Asaba, organized by the Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Sustainable Development in collaboration with the Delta State Broadcasting Service (DBS). The event emphasized the pivotal role of the media in creating awareness, advocacy, and reportage on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Addressing attendees, Mrs. Christine Emetulu, General Manager of DBS Asaba, described the parley as a strategic initiative aimed at uniting media representatives from traditional and digital platforms to amplify the SDGs.
“This parley empowers the media to play its pivotal role in driving the Sustainable Development Goals and the M.O.R.E Agenda of the Delta State Government, which are aligned in purpose,” she said. Mrs. Emetulu further highlighted the critical role of media in holding leaders accountable, amplifying marginalized voices, and inspiring collective action. She urged participants to harness their creativity to reimagine the potential of media as a catalyst for sustainable development.
On programming, she reaffirmed DBS’s commitment to showcasing sustainable practices and addressing pressing issues like climate change, environmental conservation, education, and social equality through its platforms.
Lady Diana Ereyitomi Eyo-Enoette, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, emphasized the media’s unique power in connecting the SDGs to everyday life through storytelling.
“The SDGs live in our classrooms, markets, and communities. They are not abstract concepts but goals for today, tomorrow, and future generations,” she stated. She urged media professionals to embrace their role as storytellers with responsibility, amplifying voices from underrepresented communities and showcasing local achievements in sustainable development.
Drawing inspiration from writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Lady Diana noted, “Stories can break the dignity of a person, but they can also repair it. Through storytelling, the media can bridge the gap between the ambitious targets of the SDGs and the struggles of everyday people.”
Highlighting the importance of collaborative action, she called for partnerships across sectors to amplify the impact of the SDGs and the M.O.R.E Agenda. She shared success stories from the state’s SDGs Community Waka, which identifies diverse needs in neighboring communities and delivers targeted interventions.
As the event progressed, participants engaged in panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and networking activities to deepen their understanding of the SDGs. The media parley reinforced the collective resolve to use storytelling as a tool for promoting sustainable development and building a resilient Delta State.
The parley concluded with a call for media professionals to use their platforms to inspire action and showcase progress, driving the state and the nation closer to achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda.
