UNITY FM’S CHINELO OKORO AWARDED BEST FEMALE REPORTER IN EBONYI
REPORTER: AMECHI ODO
Media workers in the country have been urged to rise above regional ethnic and religious biases in their reportage to enable them reshape the mindset of Nigerians towards making an informed choice of electing credible leaders in 2023.
A former Commissioner for Information in Ebonyi State, Dr. John Otu, made the call at a one day Ebonyi Media Discourse and Excellence Achievers Award organised by Peoples Guide Newspaper in Abakaliki.
Dr. Otu, who was the Keynote Speaker, had while discussing the theme of the event which was the “Media, Security and 2023 General Election: Issues and Prospect” commended journalists for rebuffing intimidations by some public office holders to ensure that the principle of newsroom politics was followed to hold government to account.
He noted that as the conscience of the society, media workers must shun biases and ensure that justice, equity and fair play were maintained by all players in the political landscape of the country ahead of the 2023 general election.
Dr. Otu, who is also a Lecturer at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, called on security agencies and the judiciary to endeavour to be neutral and distance themselves from the government to enable them to be fair to all irrespective of the party in power.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State, Mr. Chris Anyanwu, said the security agencies were ready to ensure that politicians played by the rule and urged the media to be objective as they were partners towards ensuring smooth conduct of the election.
The Publisher of Peoples Guide Newspapers, Mr. Ekene Mbam, said the event was organised to mark the 6th year anniversary of the newspaper and to recognise the efforts of some media professionals towards informing and educating the public.
He assured Nigerians that the paper would maintain its editorial policy and other features that had made it to stand out among equals.
Some of the journalists, who received awards at the event including, Mrs. Chinelo Okoro of Radio Nigeria Unity Fm, Abakaliki, who was recognised as the Best Radio Female Reporter of the Year, and Mrs. Chika Okorie of NTA, who was honoured as the Best Television Female Reporter of the year, expressed appreciations to the Newspaper for being found worthy.
They pledged more commitment to duty as the award would spur them to serve the society better.
The General Manger, Unity FM, Dr. McSylvester Ndolo and the Head of News Unit of the station, Mrs. Juliana Okoro were among the dignitaries at the event.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
