Delta At 33: We Have Good Stories To Tell – DG DSOCB

…Commends NAWOJ For Sustaining Ethical Standards, Balance Reporting

Director General of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr (Barr) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has said that citizens and residents of the state have cause to celebrate, after thirty three years of steady progress, and counting.

He made the assertion on Monday when the leadership of the state chapter of the National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, paid him a courtesy visit at the Bureau’s headquarters in Asaba.

Dr Oghenesivbe disclosed that when Delta State was created 33 years ago, there was nothing on ground in terms of infrastructure, but that over the years the state made steady progress in all sectors, especially in huge infrastructure and socioeconomic development, adding that Delta has grown to become a major commercial and economic hub, a first choice destination for holiday makers.

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He urged members of NAWOJ to take stock and tell the good and positive stories about the milestone achievements of the state, from administrations of Chief Felix Ibru, Chief James Ibori, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan to Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, and to the present Administration, adding that governor Oborevwori is working wonders that would Advance Delta beyond 2027, through the ongoing implementation of his MORE agenda across the state.

He stated that women empowerment, inclusion in mainstream politics and governance in the state had also recorded meaningful progress, pointing out that out of the 25 Vice Chairmen of local government councils, 22 are women, with reasonable number of female councillors, pointing to show that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, being the party in power since 1999, had identified with women and strategically positioning some of them for leadership roles.

The Director General of the State Orientation and Communications Bureau, noted that NAWOJ should reasonably focus on these positive developments and paradigm shifts by appreciating the government of governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the PDP for their deliberate efforts in empowering women, and for according them their right of place in politics, governance and in public service.

He assured that the Bureau is willing and ready to partner with NAWOJ in the area of sensitization campaigns against domestic violence, illicit drugs hawking by teenagers, especially the girl child via the planned awareness exercise recently approved by governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

“We are in celebration mood, because Delta State will be 33 on Tuesday, and there is so much to thank God for.

“Looking back, Delta has recorded substantial progress in terms of infrastructure development, education, sports, land and air transportation, socioeconomic advancement, and so on, and so forth.

“As a state, we have good and positive stories to tell, and am urging NAWOJ to help tell these stories through traditional and social media platforms. Delta is very peaceful compared to some other states. We are making steady progress.

“The MORE Agenda of governor Sheriff Oborevwori is yielding fantastic results for the state and people. Mega road infrastructure projects are ongoing at DSC Roundabout, PTI junction, Effurun Roundabout and Enerhen junction up to Marine Gate, and the contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is handling the construction projects according to designs and specifications. Governor Oborevwori is practically turning Delta into a construction site.

“I encourage NAWOJ to take a tour of ongoing projects and tell the story. You are valuable partners with government as members of the fourth estate of the realm. You have done well by sustaining ethical standards and balance reporting.

“Our doors are open at the State Orientation and Communications Bureau. You are always welcome to partner with us, and to cross fertilize ideas that would add value to governance in the state, and to society in general,” Oghenesivbe assured.

Speaking earlier, State chairperson of NAWOJ, Sophia Onobunjo, on behalf of the association congratulated Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe over his recent appointment as the Director General of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, at the instance of governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

She said NAWOJ is an affiliate of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, comprising over 250 members across the 25 LGAs in the state, adding that the association is saddled with the responsibility of regular advocacy for good governance, women inclusiveness/affirmative action and empowerment, girl child rights, as well as capacity building for women journalists.

“We are very much aware of your antecedents as a technocrat, politician, renowned communication Strategist and media manager.

“Your pedigree speaks volume, and we strongly believe that you will bring your wealth of experience, vast knowledge, professional competence and multifaceted skills in strategic communications to bear in this onorous assignment.

“Our visit is to congratulate you as a valuable partner and friend of NUJ and NAWOJ, and to also solicit for the Bureau’s support to carryout our planned Health Empowerment and Welfare Programme for our members in the third week of September, this year.

“NAWOJ is poised to join in making the MORE agenda of His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, a reality for all beyond 2027,” she said.