DELCOM 2024: Bayagbon Advocates Ethical Journalism at Delta Communication Workshop

Emu, Bayoko, Gbe commend Oborevwori’s human capacity development initiative

By Austin Ogwuda & Jumai Mohammed

The Former Editor of Vanguard Newspaper and Publisher of The NewsGuru online newspaper, Mr. Mideno Bayagbon, has urged media practitioners to reevaluate and transform their approach to journalism ethics to foster unity and understanding.

Mr. Bayagbon, who Spoke on Thursday at the closing ceremony of the 5th edition of the Delta State Communication Workshop with the Theme, Advancing Delta: Strategies for Public Communication and Effective Media Engagement, emphasized the critical role of the media in shaping societal narratives.

He urged journalists to adopt a mindset that prioritizes building bridges and promoting the achievement of the State Government.

“Those of you who are Media Aides of the governor of Delta State, the first thing is to read up. You need to read, you need to acquaint yourself with what the government is doing, tell the public what government has done or doing. You can also tell the story through video.

“In doing that you must be very careful, because when politics comes you must be careful what you write because if you defame anyone even the governor you are trying to defend might not be there when it gets to Court.

“In this profession there are laws and you are expected to abide by them”.

Midemo also advised Delcom participants and Journalists in general, to make deliberate efforts towards personal development through knowledge acquisition such as this particular workshop has provided, as well as, other formal and informal education from time to time in order to meet up with the digital revolution in communication.

He equally told the participants to build and cultivate friendships as it will pay off eventually when the need arises in the discharge of their duties involving the public.

“Journalism is more than just reporting facts; it is about creating connections, fostering understanding, and upholding ethical standards that inspire trust and unity,” Mr. Bayagbon stated.

In his remarks, the State Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Political and Security Services, DPSS.Chucks Aguonye commended the facilitators, renowned experts in their fields, for enriching media practitioners with their wealth of knowledge and practical experience. Their contributions, he said have inspired, motivated, and empowered them to become more effective communicators, equipped to drive positive change in their respective spheres of influence.

‘’The art of communication is the language of leadership, I charge you to leverage on your newfound knowledge and skills to foster effective media engagements that showcase the remarkable achievements of our government.

While applauding the State Government for their commitment in promoting the skills of journalism, he appealed to media practitioners to be the bridge between the government and the people, to bring feedback that will inform our decision-making processes, and to work together to Advance Delta State and create a brighter future for all.

Similarly, the Chief Economist Adviser to the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Barry Gbe applauded the state government for making the training available as he appealed to participants to deploy the skills gained from the workshop to enhance public communication and media engagement, and to improve their career.

Earlier in his closing remarks, the Secretary to the State Governor, Dr. Kingsley Emu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Onoriode Agofure said the workshop has become a significant platform for training and capacity-building among media professionals, focused on equipping journalists and media aides to the Governor with the necessary skills and tools to navigate the evolving challenges of the media landscape.

Dr. Emu urged participants to ensure that the 3 days training was well utilized and should be used as tools in reporting the activities of the Government, while commending the Director General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, and State Facilitator of DELCOM, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, for is dedication to duty, resilient and loyalty to the Governor.

Participants praised the State government and the facilitator for their efforts in ensuring that journalists in the state and beyond, are well equipped with modern day tools to ensure that government policies and programmes, as well as Achievements of the governor well projected and fully understood.