…..Learn from Dele Giwa to standards
Elizabeth Vincent, Yenagoa
Journalists in Bayelsa State and across Nigeria have been urged to reaffirm their crucial role in society by returning to the core values of embracing investigative journalism.
This call was made by the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, during the inaugural Bayelsa Media Summit held at the State Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Eghwrudjakpor who represented the state Governor Douye Diri at the event, lamented the decline in investigative journalism, contrasting it with the golden era of media icons like Ray Ekpu and Dele Giwa of blessed memory.
According to him, “Contemporary journalism is increasingly characterized by hearsay rather than thorough, fact-based reporting.
“Journalists have always been, and will continue to be, the Fourth Estate of the Realm, a role clearly defined by the constitution,” he said. “A progressive society is built on vision, not just eyesight. What we need is foresight and innovation.”
The summit, themed “Media, Culture, and Identity in Bayelsa State: Promoting Indigenous Perspectives,” aimed to encourage journalists to integrate cultural awareness into their reporting.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo praised the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, describing them as visionary and forward-thinking. “Innovation is the product of vision,” he stated. “It gave us the computer, the internet, and now, artificial intelligence.”
He commended journalists in the state for their cooperative relationship with the government. “I appreciate the collaboration and maturity shown by the media here. Being active does not mean being antagonistic; being genuine and productive ensures relevance,” he said.
Highlighting the historic role of journalists in Nigeria’s independence and nation-building, he referenced figures like the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Anthony Enahoro.
“We must rediscover our purpose. Journalism today needs more depth. The current trend of sensationalism on social media is troubling. In the absence of quality, quantity fills the space—but only quality can uplift society,” he concluded.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Aniefiok Udoudo spoke on “Media, Culture, and Identity in Bayelsa State,” emphasizing that journalists must actively engage with society. He noted that the media can either promote or erode cultural values and warned against cultural imperialism and homogenization.
Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku Obiyai, said the summit would attract investments beneficial to both the state and media practitioners. She also expressed hope that it would address key areas such as the blue economy.
In his remarks, NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, applauded the Bayelsa State Government for its ongoing infrastructure projects.
“Since my arrival, I have toured projects including the ring road, Nembe-Brass road, and the dualization of Opolo road. The development is impressive,” he said.
He also urged journalists to use social media responsibly and prioritize truth and accuracy over personal interest.
In his welcome address, NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha, recounted a recent incident where a woman was mocked for not speaking English during an interview.
He stressed the importance of journalists being able to translate into local languages such as Ijaw, Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo to ensure inclusivity and avoid misinformation.
