The Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Dr Benibo Anabraba, has assured the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, of the government’s readiness to partner with the media in promoting transparency and good governance in the State.
Dr Anabraba, in a document shared on Friday, gave the assurance when the NUJ delegation, led by its Chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday as part of the Union’s routine acclimatisation visits to government institutions.
The SSG congratulated the Bazia-led executive on its successful election and commended the Council for sustaining unity among members. He reiterated that his office operates an open-door policy and welcomed the NUJ as a key partner in communicating the government’s programmes and policies to the public.
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Dr Anabraba also urged journalists to educate the public on the dangers of assault against women and other emerging social vices, adding that civil society organisations must complement government efforts in promoting good governance.
Earlier, Comrade Bazia congratulated the SSG on his appointment and academic accomplishments, recalling his days as a lawmaker when he championed the defence of Rivers State’s interests during the Soku Oil Well dispute.
The NUJ Chairman said his leadership is committed to developmental journalism, highlighting areas such as blue economy, tourism, and agriculture as focus points for the Council. He mentioned the Ngo–Oyorokoto Road in Andoni Local Government as a potential tourism hub linking Rivers State to the Atlantic Ocean.
Bazia also appealed for government support to rehabilitate the NUJ Press Centre, provide a functional vehicle for the Union, and reinstate the Council on the Government House protocol list to enhance media coverage of state activities.
The SSG pledged that all NUJ requests would receive due attention and thanked the journalists for their visit.
