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Gov. Oborevowori Swears in Newly Elected Executives Of ACNPN …Pledges Unwavering Support for Community Media at ACNPN Awards


By: Ike Phiip Abiagom

The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting community-based media during the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN) Delta State Council 2024 Annual Publishers Lecture and Awards held on Thursday, October 27, 2024, at Vienna Hotel, Asaba.

The representative of Delta State Governor, Senator Aguariavwodo presenting Certificate of Return to the New ACNPN Chairman, Comrade Ike Philip Abiagom
Comr. Ike Abiagom, ACNPN Chairman ,(middle) Senior Political Adviser to Delta State Governor, Sen. Agwuariawodo and (Right)Fmr ACNPN Chairman, Comr. Jude Obiemenyego 

Though unable to attend in person, Governor Oborevwori was represented at the occasion by Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, the Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Senator Francis Agwuariawodo conveyed the Governor’s sincere appreciation for the critical role that community newspapers play in fostering grassroots development and ensuring effective communication between the government and the people.

Speaking at the event, Senator Aguariavwodo expressed that the Delta State Government would continue to work closely with the ACNPN, emphasizing that the administration is committed to strengthening the partnership with community-based media outlets. He further reassured the association that the government would remain supportive of their efforts to serve the public and promote local issues. “Governor Oborevwori believes in the power of community newspapers to drive change and empower the people. As such, we will continue to provide support and collaborate with your esteemed association in no small measure,” he said.

In his remarks, Aguariavwodo highlighted the importance of community media as a vital tool for nation-building, noting that it offers a platform for disseminating information that directly impacts the daily lives of the people. He encouraged the publishers to keep up the good work, stressing that their role in shaping public discourse and holding both the government and citizens accountable cannot be overstated.

The event also marked a moment of reflection on the leadership of the outgoing Chairman of the ACNPN Delta State Council, Comrade Jude Obiemenyego.

Senator Aguariavwodo commended Obiemenyego for his exemplary leadership and his contributions to the growth of the association. “Comrade Obiemenyego has done an exceptional job in steering the affairs of the Community Newspaper Publishers, and we acknowledge his tireless work over the years,” said Aguariavwodo. He also promised that the Governor would continue to collaborate with the new leadership of the ACNPN, ensuring that the association remains a key partner in Delta State’s media landscape.

Speaking further, he performed the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected executive members of Association of Community Newspapers Publishers of Nigeria, (ACNPN ), Delta State Council and charged them to uphold the constitution of the Association.

Governor Oborevwori further advised the new executive led by Comrade Ike Philip Abiagom to justify the confidence reposed on them by building on the legacies of the outgone Chairman. He noted that Government will continue to support Community Newspapers in the State as they are partners promoting good governance for the betterment of Deltans.

He encouraged Publishers to be resilient and focused in reporting issues affecting rural communities.

The highlight of the event was a lecture titled *”The Imperative of Cooperative Societies, it’s Impact on Nigeria Economic Growth ‘delivered by Pastor Idowu Okeze and The Incessant Killings in the Country: Building Synergy Between the Government and the Grassroots for Effective Remedy,also delivered by ACP Alex Udeze of the Asaba Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force. ACP Udeze’s lecture focused on the troubling issue of violent crimes and insecurity in the country, with an emphasis on how a collaborative approach between the government, law enforcement, and the grassroots could help address the root causes of violence.

The event also featured the recognition and award of outstanding community newspaper publishers and contributors to the media industry in Delta State. The awards ceremony served to highlight the importance of journalistic excellence and the continued growth of community-based media.

In his opening remarks, the outgoing Chairman of ACNPN Delta State Council, Obiemenyego, expressed gratitude for the Governor’s ongoing support and reiterated the commitment of the association to continue promoting the interests of the people through responsible journalism. He pledged to maintain and build upon the achievements of his predecessor, ensuring that the ACNPN remains a strong voice for the communities it serves.

The 2024 Annual Publishers Lecture and Awards was a significant event that brought together media professionals, government officials, and community leaders to discuss the future of community-based media in Delta State, with a firm commitment to partnership, progress, and peace.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr Isaac Akpoveta has given assurance that sixty per cent of residents in the state will be covered in the health scheme of the Commission next year.

Doctor Akpoveta stated this during an interview with newsmen shortly after being presented with an award of excellence in appreciation of his contribution to the health centre by the Association of Community Newspapers Publishers of Nigeria at its 2024 Lectures and Awards Ceremony. He said over 2.4 million residents of Delta State had been enrolled into the contributory health scheme so far .

He pointed out that the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had committed over ten billion naira on the scheme as equity payment for pregnant women, under five aged children and the physically challenged ones who according to him do not pay for healthcare in any hospital.

He urged parents to register their children under five years at any health centre and hospital free of charge to access free healthcare services.

The Delta State Contributory Health Commission Director General who dedicated the award he received to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for according priority to the health programme, used the occasion to appeal to well to do Deltans to purchase health premium of seven thousand naira yearly, for the less privileged residents of the state as part of their contributions to achieving universal health coverage .

”I dedicate the award to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his MORE Agenda, for using his political will, financial support, and professional grassroots sagacity to make the scheme achieve the desired results.The Governor is the owner of the MORE Agenda which simply means go out there, and bring more Deltans especially the vulnerable, who ordinarily can not afford to pay for health scheme . The Governor has made it clear that every pregnant woman in Delta State is entitled to free healthcare; from the date of conception to delivery whether by normal delivery or cearcerian.” Akpoveta said.

He revealed that the Delta State Contributory Health Commission had received numerous awards, saying that Delta is ranked number
one state in the country with the highest enrollees and also best health insurance organisation in Nigeria and also in West Africa.

While expressing gratitude to media professionals for good coverage of the activities of the commission in all parts of the state, Doctor Akpoveta said the Commission would intensify efforts in sensitizing all Deltans on the importance of the scheme.

The  ceremony was graced by Obi Dr.Fredrick Chukwuloe Egbunkonye ll,(JP) The Igwe of Abala kingdom, the Royal father of the day, ably represented by Chief Hon.Chike Ugwummadu, Iyasele of Abala, High Chief Charles Okonkwo,the Odogwu of Ibusa, Bishop Peter Abiagom, Obi(Dr) Henry Ajudua, represented by High Chief (Dr) Daddy Okeleke the Mgboko 1 of Ibusa, Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi,the Agu-wa-ji-ejemba 1 of Anioma land and the biggest Industrialist in Anioma land, represented by Chief Elofu Dike , titleholders, captains of Industries and among other personalities.

 

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