By Odieh Ramon, Yenagoa.
As part of the activities marking the 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa state council, the vice chancellor of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa state, Professor Solomon Tamarabrakemi Ebobrah, has urged journalists to become active champions in the fight against social injustice and inequality.
Delivering a keynote address at a public lecture and award ceremony held at the NUJ press centre, Yenagoa, Prof. Ebobrah, speaking on the theme “Media, Social Justice and National Development,” charged media professionals to rise above a sense of victimhood and embrace their pivotal role in shaping a just society.
“You possess a privilege that carries both obligation and responsibility, he declared, As journalists, you must resist the temptation to view yourselves as victims rather than as conveyors of truth and advocates for justice. Social justice is not a destination but a continuous struggle, and as the fourth estate, you are indispensable to its realization.”
In his welcome address, the chairman of the NUJ Bayelsa state council, comrade Tonye Yemoleigha, expressed profound appreciation to key partners and stakeholders, Governor Douye Diri, the Bayelsa state government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for their steadfast support. He noted that the year’s theme was both apt and reflective of the media’s duty as a public arena for informed dialogue, accountability, and national progress.
Representing the commissioner for information, Orientation, and Strategy, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the permanent secretary, Ifiemeya Anthony Boisei, commended the NUJ for its enduring commitment to public enlightenment. He reiterated the ministry’s willingness to partner with the media in promoting transparency, civic awareness, and responsible communication.
Delivering a lecture, Professor John Kalama, Head of the Department of Political Science at the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa state, emphasized that the media remains the conscience of the nation.
The University Don underscored the importance of spotlighting social injustices, empowering citizens through education, and ensuring the safety of journalists, especially in conflict situations.
The erudite Prof. Kalama further advocated for enhanced media independence, ethical reporting, rigorous fact-checking, and deeper engagement with community media platforms.
The epoch-making event also featured a stimulating panel discussion and an award presentation recognizing distinguished individuals for their exemplary contributions to public service, crime prevention, and community development. Among the honorees were Governor Douye Diri, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, Oforji Oboku, Daniel Charles, and Commissioner of Police Francis Idu.
The 2025 NUJ Bayelsa Press Week thus served as a resounding reminder of the media’s enduring responsibility not merely to report, but to illuminate the path toward justice, equity, and national development.
This year’s Press Week started with an awareness road walk, indoor games, a novelty football match, an eating competition, a luncheon, and climaxed with a Thanksgiving service at the Church of God Mission, Arietalin, Ovom, in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.