The Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration for its achievements over the past two years, citing notable progress in various sectors.
The Council praised the implementation of the new minimum wage, regular payment of workers’ salaries and pensions, women and youth empowerment initiatives, and infrastructure projects.
However, the NUJ expressed concerns over the administration’s media engagement strategy, describing it as “selective, inconsistent, and insufficiently structured.”
The Council noted that while the Governor has received awards and recognitions from some media organizations, these do not replace institutionalized, statewide media dialogue and open access to local journalists.
The NUJ urged the Governor to adopt a more transparent and inclusive approach, anchored on regular, state-wide press interactions via live broadcasts, radio, television, and physical briefings involving journalists across all media platforms.
The Council emphasized its willingness to partner with the government in building a vibrant culture of openness, accountability, and mutual respect between the state and the media.
In a press statement signed by Chairman Comrade Churchill Oyowe and Secretary Comrade Victor Sorokwu, the NUJ acknowledged the 100% increase in stipends to some journalists across the state, but noted that this gesture has not fully addressed the expectations of journalists in Delta State.
The Council drew comparisons with past administrations, highlighting the institutionalized quarterly press briefings and media parley sessions under Chief James Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, and urged the current administration to learn from these examples.
The NUJ emphasized that its intervention is driven by a genuine desire to see the government succeed in deepening democratic ideals, and not by animosity or self-interest, stressing that the Council remains willing to work with the government to advance both governance and journalism in Delta State.
