By Oladipo Airenakho
Benin City – Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday told journalists that his government was open to constructive criticism adding that as professionals, they must upgrade their knowledge and skills to meet with the challenges of the 21st century.
Governor Obaseki who stated this while declaring open activities to mark the 2016 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, commended the NUJ executive for sustaining the Press Week initiative and stressed the need for improvement.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. appreciated the cordial relationship existing between the media and the Edo state government, right from the days of the Adams Oshiomhole administration and sued for its sustenance.
Chairman on the occasion, Chief Sam Igbe who was represented by Chief Eduwu Ekhator congratulated the NUJ for the laudable activities lined up for the Press Week, urging them to continue to practice development journalism by supporting the state to succeed.
He advised that journalists must cross check and confirm facts before publishing, adding that they must work to contribute to the sustenance of peace in our society by promoting the things that unify us as a people.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Edo State Council, Comrade Roland Osakue said the essence of the Press week was to provide a platform for practicing journalists to refresh their knowledge on ethics of the profession, latest trends in the profession with a view to meeting its obligation as the fourth estate of the realm to society.
Comrade Osakue appealed to the state government to implement Weigh-in Allowance for journalists under the employment of the state government to enable Edo journalists enjoy the package which has since been approved by the National Salary Wages Commission for the proposal made by the National body of the NUJ.
The NUJ Press Week is expected to end on Sunday with a thanksgiving service Also, the speaker of the Edo state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Justine Okonoboh who was represented by the Majority leader, Hon Folly Ogedegbe described the NUJ: “without you, there will be no democracy,” stating that the house is always ready to partner with the council.
In his opening remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Sir Roland Osakue who noted that the council was being affected by the recent economic recession urged the government to implement the Weigh in Allowance for journalists in the state employment.
Osakue appeal to the governor to sustain the cordial relationship with the union stating that, “the Union has a commitment to promote all policies and program of the government through objective and balanced reportage of all its activities”.
He reiterated further that the union will not hesitate to punish erring journalists who engages in any professional misconduct appealing that “members embrace the ethical code of the profession for greater efficiency
