The Chief Executive Officer of Closer TV Online, Mr Itutumeni Johnson Ogbomade, has pledged the full support of his organisation to the United Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, in its campaign against drug abuse, cultism and cybercrime among youths.
Ogbomade made the commitment when members of the Chapel paid a courtesy visit to the Closer TV office in Yenagoa.
He expressed delight at the visit, describing members of the Chapel as seasoned professionals whose recognition of the online platform would encourage it to contribute more to the growth and development of journalism in the state.
Speaking on youth empowerment, the Closer TV boss said the organisation had remained committed to engaging young Bayelsans and equipping them with relevant skills to become productive members of society.
Ogbomade, however, expressed concern over the increasing involvement of youths in drug abuse, cultism and cybercrime, warning that the trend was destroying many young lives and threatening the future of the society.
He commended the United Correspondents Chapel for its initiative to take sensitisation programmes to schools, assuring the journalists of Closer TV’s support, particularly in publicity and media coverage.
“Drug abuse, cultism and cybercrime have eaten deep into the lives of our youths. A lot of young lives have been wasted. The matter you want to take to schools to sensitise these young ones is a good one, and we will give our total support, especially in the area of publicity,” he said.
The CEO also disclosed that Closer TV would soon commence full broadcast operations from its new facility.
According to him, the new office has a standard studio, 24-hour power supply, Starlink internet connectivity for live streaming and battery backup capable of sustaining operations for up to 48 hours.
Ogbomade appealed to members of the Chapel to use their various media platforms to project the activities of Closer TV, stressing that the organisation was founded by a young Bayelsan and remained committed to telling the Bayelsa story positively.
Earlier, Chairman of the United Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Ekaunkumo Amgbare, said the Chapel comprised correspondents of national newspapers, television and radio stations operating in Bayelsa State.
He said the journalists had a responsibility to identify and partner with media organisations committed to truth-telling, responsible journalism and public enlightenment.
Amgbare commended Closer TV for carving a niche for itself as one of the fastest-growing digital media platforms in the state within a short period.
He said the visit was aimed at exploring areas of collaboration that could strengthen journalism practice while appreciating Closer TV for its contribution to promoting the image of Bayelsa State.
The Chapel chairman said both organisations could collaborate in the areas of news coverage, special reports and public enlightenment programmes designed to benefit journalists and the wider public.
He disclosed that the Chapel had concluded plans to organise a sensitisation programme for selected secondary schools in the state in September.
Amgbare therefore solicited the support of Closer TV in publicising and covering the programme, expressing optimism that the initiative would help to educate young people on the dangers of drug abuse, cultism and cybercrime and encourage them to embrace positive and productive lifestyles.
