Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has called for greater collaboration among journalists in the old Eastern region to accelerate development across the states.
Speaking in Owerri during the opening of a two-day capacity workshop for editors from the region, Uzodimma emphasized the role of developmental journalism in fostering unity and progress.
He urged journalists to focus on governance and developmental issues that could unite the people and advance regional growth.
“Our eastern region, rich in history and economic potentials, faces numerous developmental challenges. From infrastructure deficits to economic disparities, the road ahead is long. As media professionals, you have the unique ability to highlight these issues, provoke public discourse, and trigger action,” the governor stated.
The workshop’s theme, “The Media as Partners in Regional Development,” aligns with Uzodimma’s administration’s push for economic revitalization of the former Eastern region. He expressed his vision of regional reintegration, inspired by the legacy of Dr. Michael Okpara, the late premier of the Eastern region.
“We aim to revitalize the economy of the old Eastern region, because economic reintegration will be crucial to the survival of our region in a post-oil era in Nigeria,” Uzodimma said.
He highlighted steps already taken toward this goal, including the dredging of Oguta Lake to the Atlantic Ocean, which aims to reopen coastal trade routes among Imo, Bayelsa, and Rivers states.
Uzodimma encouraged journalists to support the rebuilding of political and economic alliances in the region, similar to the efforts of other geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
The governor also urged the media to focus on developmental ideas rather than fueling divisive tendencies. He called on them to explore the potential for industrial and agricultural revolutions in the region, reviving past projects that could benefit the states.
Addressing the challenges posed by social media, Uzodimma encouraged editors to promote responsible journalism that serves the public interest while maintaining national security and social cohesion.
“While I acknowledge the complexities of the digital age, where almost anyone with access to a phone or computer can become a content creator or editor, established media organizations have a crucial role in upholding journalistic standards and ethics,” he noted.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting journalism, noting that many journalists have been appointed to key positions in his administration, including the current head of service of Imo State.
In his welcome address, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Eze Anaba, emphasized the need for journalists to proactively highlight the specific needs of the region’s people.
He stressed that while subnational governments should be held accountable, journalists should focus on issues such as health challenges to attract international intervention.
