Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has charged media practitioners to respect the rights of others by practicing responsible journalism to ensure sustained peace and security in the country.
The governor stated this at the 2024 Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) Lecture Series with the theme,” Security Challenges: Finding Local Implementable Solutions”on Wednesday in Asaba.
He said that the theme was apt particularly now that the country was facing serious security challenges, adding that it would take collective responsibility to fight insecurity in the country.
Oborevwori was represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza.
He said that the state has taken bold steps by putting up measures and deployed mechanisms and materials to combat crimes and criminality in the state.
The governor said his administration had designed a local implementable security outfit, and worked in collaboration with the security agencies to ensure peace and security of life and property across the state.
According to him, the government has rebranded Delta Hulk established in 2020 to Operation Delta Sweep and had recently donated 31 operational vehicles to the Police and other security agencies.
“I am impressed that not only that DOPF has raised the discuss on the issues but most importantly to also engage the pragmatic ACP, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, as the Guest Speaker.
“As a government, the issue of security is very central to this administration and its importance has been underscored as enhanced peace and security is the fourth component of our M.O.R.E Agenda in this administration.
“But the only thing we desire from the journalists is to fact-check their information with relevant government officials before publishing for accuracy, fairness and balance in line with the ethics of the profession.
“Do not resort to blackmail. It is imperative for media entrepreneurs and practitioners to embrace the dissemination of news and information that will promote national unity and harmony as a major priority,” Oborevwori said.
In his address, Adejobi, said there has always been a local solution to the security challenges in the country, adding that it would require collective efforts of all to drive it to success.
“The topic is timely, in Nigeria today, we are faced with a lot of challenges, Nigeria is complex, democratically, Geographically and otherwise,“he said.
He advocated the use of traditional institutions to fight crimes and criminality, adding that family values, education and engagement in agriculture are part of the solutions to the security challenges in the country.
“Policing is always localised but until communities are involved and we operate collective policing, we can’t get it right. The police can’t do it alone.
“Involving traditional institution, integrating traditional leaders into a formal security framework can facilitate peace. I am an advocate of the use of African power to ensure security.
“But our traditional rulers have lost their values and the people have become scams, we have lost our values and we have to bring them back.
” Let’s do the right thing in our communities, relate with the people, promote peace building, conflict mediation and community policing; invest in economic development, good governance and education.
“By implementing locally implementable solutions, we can create a safer and more prosperous future for all Nigerians.
“Let us work together to address the root cause of insecurity and build a Nigeria where peace and security prevail,” Adejobi said.
He cautioned journalists to desist from unverified reports and particularly the cut and paste social media reporters that the law would catch up with anyone found culpable.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Emma Ogidi said that engaging local vigilante groups has become necessary if the situation could be addressed.
Ogidi, who urged the media to ensure accurate and balanced reportage, warned against focusing attention solely on political officeholders.
He, however, expressed hope that the guest speaker would deliver on the theme and proffer solutions to the challenge.
In his opening remarks, Emmanuel Enebeli, State Chairman, DOPF, thanked the governor, saying the theme was chosen because of the shared and collective concern of the people on the security challenges in the country.
“Today’s lecture strongly underlines our professional obligation and social responsibility as Delta Online Publishers Forum.
“It is not only to report on these challenges but to also actively seek solutions that contribute to the safety and security of our society.
“The need for a security solution is urgent, as the threat touches every corner of our nation from our cities to the smallest community,” Enebeli said.
