Otti Tasks Journalists on  Professionalism, Objectivity as Renewed Hope Media Team Tours Abia

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has called on the media to uphold professionalism and objectivity in their work as the State hosts members of the Renewed Hope Media Team on project inspection tour.

Gov. Otti made the call during a reception organised for the delegation at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, on Tuesday.

Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu represented Gov Alex Otti at the dinner.

Represented by his Deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, the governor described the media as a vital partner in nation-building, noting that journalists play a critical role in informing citizens, promoting accountability and strengthening democracy.

Otti urged members of the team to remain committed to truth, fairness and accuracy in reporting, stressing that the influence of the media can either foster unity and confidence or fuel division and misinformation.

Prince Okey Kanu, Information Commissioner Abia State

“The pursuit of truth must always remain the guiding principle of journalism.

“As custodians of public information, your words and reports have the power to unite or divide, inspire confidence or create doubt,” he said.

Ferdinand Ekeoma, SA on Media and Publicity

The governor also encouraged the visiting journalists to go beyond official briefings and inspect projects across the state to gain firsthand knowledge of the developments being recorded under his administration.

According to him, Abia has witnessed significant progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and economic development over the past three years.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, praised the cordial relationship between the Federal and state governments, saying recent economic reforms had increased resources available to states for development projects.

He said the tour would provide an opportunity for journalists to independently verify ongoing projects and report their findings to Nigerians.

“The federal and state governments are working together for the progress of Nigerians. The resources now available to states are enabling them to undertake projects that improve the lives of citizens,” Onanuga said.

Earlier, Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the media tour was designed to promote transparency and accountability while giving Nigerians an opportunity to evaluate government projects and policies.

He noted that collaboration between the Federal and state governments remains essential to delivering development and improving the lives of citizens.

“The projects scheduled for inspection during this tour demonstrate that development thrives when governments work together in the interest of the people,” Kanu said.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, welcomed the delegation and assured them of a productive stay in Abia.

Ekeoma expressed confidence that the team would leave with a better appreciation of the state’s development efforts after visiting project sites and interacting with residents.

The Renewed Hope Media Team is expected to inspect selected federal and state government projects across Abia as part of its nationwide assessment tour.