Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has charged media practitioners to protect their integrity, saying it is not only the cornerstone of their profession but that it also builds trust with the public and fortifies the foundations of a healthy democracy.

Senator Diri also said that the press as the fourth pillar of democracy had become more critical in serving as a beacon of hope and in promoting understanding and unity.

The Bayelsa governor stated this on Thursday as host of the three-day 20th All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC) 2024 holding at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Describing the theme of the conference: "Economic Growth and Development Strategies in Resource-Rich Country,? as relevant and timely, the Bayelsa governor said Nigerians were at a pivotal moment in the country's journey towards sustainable development.

He emphasised that while Nigeria brims with abundant resources, poverty and underdevelopment persist across countless communities, a situation he described as paradoxical.

He said: ?ln Bayelsa State, for instance, a major contributor to Nigeria's oil and gas production, we face severe environmental challenges and economic hardship.

"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."

President Bola Tinubu, while declaring the conference open, hailed the individual and collective efforts of veteran journalists towards ensuring Nigeria?s democracy remained unbroken.

President Tinubu said the country?s democracy coukd not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of the media.

Represented by the Minister of Information and Orientation, Alhaji Muhammad Idris, the president called on members of the Guild to see themselves as partners in progress with government at all levels.

His words: ?It is your constitutional duty to criticize what is wrong, but you must not lose sight of the fact that you must have a nation. Nigeria must exist before its newspapers exist.

?So, when you play your very important role to keep Nigeria going, please also ensure that Nigeria has to survive; Nigeria has to exist."

Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, represented by his Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpan, appreciated Senator Diri for hosting the conference.

He also applauded media veterans for their various contributions to this year?s conference.

Also speaking, chairman of This Day Newspaper and Arise Television, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, advocated that Nigeria should get its industries working, particularly the four federal government refineries as a way of fixing its economy.

Prince Obaigbena suggested that the current reforms by the President?s administration needed to be humane towards supporting the poor and other vulnerable groups in society.

In his speech, President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr Eze Anaba, said the focus of the annual conference was on two inter-linked themes, which were the growth of the nation's economy and sustainability of the media industry.

He identified adaptability to modern trends and availability of resource materials as major threats to the survival of the industry.

Also speaking, former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, said he was impressed by the high turnout of participants.

Chief Osoba also hailed Senator Diri for his administration's effort at developing the state, noting that Yenagoa, the state capital, used to be known for its one-road city status.

In his remarks, founder and publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, Dr. Sam Amuka, bemoaned the challenges facing the media industry, particularly the print media, which he attributed to the removal of oil subsidy by the present administration.

Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Speaker of the Bayelsa State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Commissioners, chairman of the state traditional rulers council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Special Adviser to the President on Media, Bayo Onanuga, and Special Adviser to the President on Strategic Communications, Chief Sunday Dare, among others.

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