The Chairman Of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Hon Barr George Ariolu, DSSRS has stated that Government is a serious business and should not be left in the hands of mediocre.
The Chairman made this statement at the Council Headquarters as he received delegates of The Nigerian Association Of Women Journalists, Rivers State Chapter led by its Leader, Mrs Susan Serekara Nwikhara
The Council Boss described the media as the mirror of the modern society and the sword arm of Democracy.
“We know that your association is a very strong force in the media sector. The media is the mirror of the society. There are people who do not have any other means of knowing what happens in the society than through the radio, the television, reading through the newspaper and of late social media.”
Speaking further the Chairman addressed the Nigerian Association Of Women journalists on the need for good journalism with regards to politics and governance
“I’m aware that the functions of the media is to educate, enlighten and interprete information to the public. This habit of spreading negative media especially about politicians is really unhelpful to the society and the multiplier effect is huge.”
“The moment you go out there and somebody says he is a politician, people have that negative mindset about who you are because of the media.”
“I won’t be surprised if you ask any younger person now that desires to be a politician why he wants to tow that line; he will tell you that he wants to be rich. This is because of the information they get about politicians and governance via the media on regular basis whereas that is not essence of governance ”
Barr George Ariolu urged them to showcase and highlight the activities of ideal politicians as it is a tool for nation building and development.
“Amongst the circle of politicians there are very good ones. Why not take your time to project them because in all of these, the younger ones are listening and also observing.”
“For us as a Local Government, we can boost of our records. We have touched the two arms of development; Human capacity and Physical/ infrastructural development.”
“By projecting good politicians, you are making your own contributions in nation building and development. Let it serve as a template for the future generation. Our society will thank you. The idea of showcasing political activities and those in government in a negative light should stop so that the people will change their perspective about governance.”
On her part, the leader of the Association, Mrs. Susan Serekara Nwikhara, thanked the Chairman for the audience whilst commending him for the Human Capacity building and infrastructural development.
She said if other LGA Chairmen can emulate the kind gestures of the Council Boss and replicate in their various LGAs, the State would have been free of youth restiveness and crimes, thereby transcending to a better place for all to live in peace and harmony.
“Honourable Chairman, sir, we heard you clearly during the presentation of the first tranche of Cheques issued to the indigenes and residents of LGA willingly to go into their Masters and Ph.D degrees, when you said that Education remains the bedrock of the society and that having an integral part of human existence, this is why we described you as the golden fish that has no place to hide”.
“In appreciation of what you are doing, NAWOJ as a body of female journalism professionals also want to join efforts with you in building the capacity of young girls in Obio/Akpor LGA, especially those, who have dropped out of school through advocacy”.
“Chairman Sir, while we commend your efforts and pray that you gain higher grounds, we appeal that your kind gesture be extended to NAWOJ Rivers State to enable us actualise our set goals and objectives in building the capacity of the down trodden women and girls in Rivers State”.
“Over the years, NAWOJ has been supporting the girl child in the Rural Area as part of her yearly activity to mark the International Girl Child Day. This year NAWOJ is targeting one of the Girls Secondary Schools in Obio Akpor to Mark the International day of the girl child, which entails getting these students school Bags, Pen, hygiene sanitary pads, Exercise books, among others. We will appreciate your kind support and partnership in carrying out this year program. Once again, thank you for granting us this great opportunity to meet with you”. Continue Reading
