Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has called on members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his quest to make Nigeria a better place for all.
The Governor made the call on Friday in his remarks while flagging off the Nigerian Guild of Editors National Biennial Convention 2023 in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The convention effectively brought to an end the tenure of the Mustapha Isa-led NGE executive to usher in a new one.
Governor Uzodimma reminded the editors that they are partners in progress with the government; hence they must professionally play their constitutional role in the interest of the society.
The Governor commended the Mr Isa-led executive and members of the Guild for their efforts so far in ensuring that the good stories about Nigeria are brought to public domain without compromising their professional ethics, reminding them, however, that the country is making steady progress in her democratic journey since the return of democracy in 1999 despite obvious hiccups.
He also lauded the choice of the theme for the Convention: Post 2023 election: Promoting Professionalism for Enhancement of Democracy and Good Governance.
He said: “Your theme for this conference, “Post – 2023 Election: Promoting professionalism for enhancement of Democracy and Good Governance” is rather apt, given the divergent opinions that trailed the conduct of the recently concluded general elections, and how the media reported the fall outs. As the saying goes, opinions are free, but facts remain sacred. Without pre-empting the guest lecturer in his interrogation of the topic, let me state that I am of the opinion that the traditional media discharged their duties creditably during the 2023 elections.”
He welcomed the editors to Imo State, particularly for their choice of Owerri for the Convention and thanked the NGE president profoundly for his kind words and observations about his person and Imo State.
Governor Uzodinma also welcomed the Guest lecturer, Dr Chido Nwakanma of the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos and commended the media practitioners for finding the state worthy of hosting them twice in less than one year.
Taking time to highlight some of the achievements of his administration, the Governor said: “Apart from the prompt payment of salaries and pensions, my administration has religiously pursued our prosperity agenda encapsulated in Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery. After your annual conference last year, our dear former President, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, was here to commission our flagship dual carriageways that connect the State capital to the major cities of Orlu and Okigwe.
We have also completed the MCC -Uratta -Toronto road while the Owerri – Mbaise – Obowo – Umuahia road and Orlu – Mgbee – Akokwa – Uga road are nearing completion. These are among the more than 100 standard roads built by this administration within a space of 40 months. This is in addition to equally significant progress recorded in various other sectors like education, health, industry, youth empowerment and social services, which my administration identified as priorities.”