Distinguished editors, esteemed journalists, and dear friends.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!It is with great pleasure that our serene capital, Yenagoa, welcomes you to this significant gathering of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, representing the pinnacle of journalistic excellence.
I bring you warm greetings from the people and government of Bayelsa State, the Glory of All Lands, as you convene to deliberate on vital issues that shape our nation’s narrative and uphold the tenets of your noble profession.
The significance of the media in democratic governance has been recognised since the 17th century. As the fourth pillar of democracy, the press educates, informs, and entertains, shaping public agenda and debate. Democracy relies heavily on the press to thrive.
As ethnic nationalities and diverse interests vie for attention, your work serves as a beacon of hope, promoting understanding and unity. In these turbulent times around our nation and the world at large, your role as guardians of truth is more critical than ever.
Integrity remains the cornerstone of your profession, building trust with the public and fortifying the foundations of a healthy democracy.
“Economic Growth and Development Strategies in Resource-Rich Country,” your theme for this conference, is both relevant and timely.
We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable development. Our nation brims with abundant resources, yet poverty and underdevelopment persist across countless communities; a striking paradox.
In Bayelsa State for instance, a major contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas production, we face severe environmental challenges and economic hardship. For long we have been ignored, our stories dismissed, and our rights trampled. Yet we have decided not to be silenced or erased. “The time is always right to do what is right,” said Martin Luther King Jr.
Two recent events have strengthened my resolve to drive a thoughtful and intentional dialogue about responsible resource management in our country.
It was my pleasure to join the University of Nigeria (UNN) community in Nsukka for their 64th Founder’s Day, where I presented a lecture focusing on the pivotal issues of structural inequality and imbalance within Nigeria’s federal structure.
We must, for instance, rethink the outdated idea that States have rights to surface land, while the federal government monopolises valuable underground resources. I highlighted key issues, including fiscal autonomy and the restricted authority of state governors, who are chief security officers in name only, as actual control rests elsewhere. I will refrain from delving deeper into this topic here, as copies of my lecture are available to the press.
The second is the submission of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission’s report to the State Executive Council, marking a significant milestone. This comprehensive report sheds light on the devastating impact of oil and gas pollution in Bayelsa State, highlighting the urgent need for remedial action and sustainable solutions.
The report paints a devastating picture of environmental destruction, impunity, and severe harm to our lands, waters, and community health. Alarmingly, it reveals that Bayelsa bears the brunt of 25% of Nigeria’s oil and gas pollution, yet receives insufficient compensation for the resulting environmental degradation and health crises. The report recommends an urgent need for reparation, remedial action, and sustainable solutions to address the catastrophic impact of this pollution on our ecosystem and people.
While some focus on the 13% derivation funds allocated to oil-producing states, it’s crucial to acknowledge the far more devastating 83% deprivation that perpetuates inequity and injustice. This stark disparity underscores the need for comprehensive reform.
This Tuesday, I had the privilege of leading a high-powered delegation of stakeholders from the State to discuss these and other concerning issues with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Villa. I am deeply gratified by his courtesy, understanding, and support of the many issues that agitate our people.
I’m bringing this crucial sequence of events to your attention because I believe we share a common conviction, echoed in Martin Luther King Jr.’s powerful words, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” As editors and chief communicators in our society, you have the power to shine a light on these injustices.
Therefore, we implore you as editors and influential voices, to advocate for policies that prioritise sustainable development and empower local communities. The discussions are not just abstract concepts; they directly affect people’s lives, particularly those suffering from resource exploitation, environmental harm, and unequal economic access.
This is my first major interface with the leadership of the press since my re-election as Governor. You may recall that during our first term, we proudly adopted the moniker “Prosperity Government.” This designation was not merely a title; it is a commitment to our electoral promise to the people of Bayelsa State.
We have made tremendous progress on several legacy projects that are transforming the lives of our people. Our flagship initiatives include the Three Senatorial Roads, moving our communities to the Atlantic Ocean and unlocking the vast potential of the Blue Economy, as well as the iconic Ernest Ikoli Media Complex, arguably West Africa’s most impressive media hub.
These projects demonstrate our commitment to credible, transparent stewardship, ensuring that our resources are utilised efficiently and effectively for the greater good.
The ASSURED agenda is our acronym that encapsulates the seven pillars upon which our next phase of development will stand. This comprehensive framework is built on seven pillars, namely:
A – Agricultural Revolution and Blue Economy
S – Sports and Youth Development
S – Security and Peace
U – Urban Renewal and Rural Development
R – Robust Healthcare Delivery
E – Energy Generation and Economic Growth and
D – Diversifying Education towards Innovation and Technology with guaranteed quality delivery – each representing a critical aspect of our development strategy.
I sincerely hope that during your time here, you will find a moment in your busy schedule to visit some of these projects. It is important that we paint an objective picture of the progress we are making and the challenges we continue to face as we strive for a brighter future for Bayelsa State.
I invite you to engage with us in this journey. Your insights, reports, and critiques are important, not only to our administration but to the broader public discourse that nurtures democracy and accountability.
As Walter Lippmann aptly put it, “A free press is not a privilege but an organic necessity in a great society.” This raises important questions about the relationship between financing and editorial independence. The age-old adage “he who pays the piper, dictates the tune” poses a significant puzzle for your sub-theme – “Good Practices for Viable/Sustainable Financing” in the context of a free press.
When those who fund the press have significant influence over the content, it can compromise the press’s ability to report truthfully and hold those in power accountable. Lippmann’s own work, “A Test of the News,” co-authored with Charles Merz, highlighted the dangers of biased reporting and the importance of journalistic standards. They found that even reputable newspapers like The New York Times could fall prey to propaganda and misinformation.
The press faces a daunting challenge: maintaining neutrality while ensuring financial sustainability. I don’t claim to have all the answers, and perhaps there isn’t a straightforward solution. However, I firmly believe it’s time for bold action. There is a moral imperative to find the right balance. I pray you find it.
Our rich culture, indomitable spirit, and warm hospitality reflect the very essence of who we are as a people. If you have not had our famous Keke fiyai (KKF) or the delectable roasted plantain and fish, your journey is not complete. I encourage you to take a little time to explore our beautiful environment and engage with our diverse communities.
Be assured that Bayelsa State takes great pride in hosting you. I wish you a fruitful and inspiring meeting, and may your deliberations contribute significantly to the advancement of our democracy.
Thank you, once again for choosing Yenagoa as your host city.
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