The South-South Coordinator of Homeless World Cup Nigeria and CEO of Perveun Media, Cyrillic Odiaka-Gabriel, alongside members of his team, has called for stronger collaboration between media professionals and development stakeholders to promote unity, good governance, and positive storytelling in Delta State.
Odiaka-Gabriel, who is also the Convener of Delta @ 35, made the call on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council Secretariat in Asaba, where he sought partnership for ongoing development and branding initiatives.
He noted that some members of his team were absent due to different circumstances, including work commitments, bereavement and other engagements, expressing hope that future meetings would bring everyone together under better conditions.
Speaking on his personal journey, he recalled returning to Delta State after spending time in Germany around 2009, saying his experience abroad shaped his desire to contribute to development at home through journalism and media work.
He explained that his decision to return was driven by a desire to do more than report events, stressing that media professionals should also play active roles in shaping leadership, discipline and values in society.
According to him, journalists should not only criticise leaders but also contribute meaningfully to development, adding that constructive participation is necessary for accountability to be effective.
Odiaka-Gabriel also highlighted ongoing efforts to reposition Delta State’s image as part of activities leading up to its 35th anniversary in August 2026. He said the initiative includes branding and communication projects aimed at promoting unity and progress in the state.
He referenced previous plans to host the Homeless World Cup in Delta State, which would have attracted international participants, but said the project did not materialise due to administrative and support challenges.
Despite setbacks, he said he remains committed to using media and creative platforms to promote development, unity and positive narratives about the state.
He added that the goal of the current initiative is to celebrate Delta State’s progress while encouraging collaboration among stakeholders and strengthening shared identity through media and communication.
In his response, Chairman of the NUJ Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, described Nigeria as a system that requires cooperation among its various parts to function effectively.
He noted that many development initiatives often fail to achieve long-term impact due to a lack of continuity after initial events or projects end.
Oyowe stressed that sustainable development requires consistency, explaining that progress is weakened when efforts are not sustained or built upon over time.
He reaffirmed the importance of the media in governance, saying journalists remain key players in information sharing, public education and accountability.
He referenced Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the media to hold government accountable and ensure transparency in governance.
According to him, the media must continue to perform its watchdog role while also engaging constructively with government and other stakeholders to support development.
Oyowe emphasized that journalism should focus on development rather than destruction, adding that criticism must always be constructive and aimed at improving society.
He commended the initiative presented by Odiaka-Gabriel and expressed optimism that collaboration between the media and stakeholders would contribute positively to Delta State’s growth.
He urged journalists to maintain high ethical standards, professionalism and responsibility in their work, noting that the influence of the media makes accuracy and balance essential in reporting.
