Mark hails media role in promoting good governance
NAN-H-7
Media
Yenagoa, Dec. 11, 2016 (NAN) Sen. David Mark (PDP-Benue) has commended the role of the media in promoting good governance and democracy in the country.
Mark, senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, made the commendation at the award and dinner night, organised by Bayelsa Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Saturday night in Yenagoa.
He pointed out that the media imperative to nation building could not be over-emphasised and further stressed the need to strengthen the watchdog role of the media for the country.
Mark, who was represented by Mr Fred Agbedi (PDP-Bayelsa) said the media had played critical role for nation’s political, economic and social stability.
Agbedi is representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.
The Senator, who received an award of Extra-Ordinary Leadership, said strengthening the watchdog role would continue to move the nation forward.
However, the former president of the Senate urged the Nigerian media to sustain the struggle for national development and prosperity.
Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa also commended the Bayelsa NUJ Council for their successful press week.
He said the award and dinner night would be one of the historical events in the state.
Dickson, represented by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Jonathan Obuebite, described the award given by the NUJ as a call to duty.
The governor called on the beneficiaries to double efforts on their day-to-day activities in ensuring that Bayelsa as well as Nigeria moved forward.
Dickson, who received an award of Culture and Heritage Development, said he would continue to partner with the media and contribute to their wellbeing.
Mr John Angese, state Chairman of the NUJ, thanked the state government and other well-meaning Nigerians for their support to the media.
Angese pledged the readiness of journalists to work as agents of development and for service to humanity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Dinner night was part of the union’s activities to mark this year’s press week aimed at “strengthening professionalism’’.
NAN also reports that the weeklong event also featured other activities including awareness walk, public lecture, indoor game, free medical test and facility tour, among others. (NAN)
OOC/VOE/MST
Edited by Vivian Emoni/Muhammad Suleiman Tola