Shun divisive reports, Delta SSG urges journalists

The Secretary to the Delta State Government, Mr Ovie Agas, has tasked journalists to shun divisive reports and give prominence to issues that would promote peace and unity among the people.
Agas, a Mass Communications graduate and trained journalist, said sensationalism and falsehood have no place in journalism as an agent of social renaissance.
Speaking during a visit by the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, led by its chairman, Norbert Chiazor, the SSG said negative reporting was detrimental to a multi -ethnic state like Delta, which required cohesiveness, tolerance and spirit of oneness to thrive.

He noted that jaundiced reporting could cause inter- communal hatred and hostilities and urged the media to play a unifying role by ensuring constructive engagement.
He advised journalists to be more ethical and professional by ensuring that their stories were properly authenticated, balanced and objective for the credibility of their medium and personal integrity.
Agas pledged that Delta State Government would meaningfully partner journalists for the actualisation of the five-point development agenda of the Okowa administration tagged SMART.
Earlier, the Council Chairman, Norbert Chiazor thanked the state governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for the wise choice in appointing, Mr Agas as SSG and described him as an outstanding mass communication scholar and administrator poised to make the state proud.