BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

BENIN—Edo State chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has conferred an award of excellence on the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State, Mr Peter Okhiria, for his “effective public relations and information management.”

The union also conferred awards on the senator representing Edo North senatorial district, Senator Domingo Obende and the Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolemenmen, as part of activities marking the 2013 Press Week of the chapel.

Speaking at the ceremony, held at the NUJ Press Centre,  Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, urged journalists to adhere strictly to the rules and ethics of journalism in order to help strengthen the nation’s democracy.

He noted the contributions of the media to the enthronement of the nation’s democracy, appealing to them to be wary of reports that could endanger the democracy they helped to widwife.

He said: “Majority of our journalists in Nigeria have been doing their best by reporting correctly. The Nigerian journalist fought for democracy and must continue to protect it. That is why I always insist on fair reportage, so that we will not destroy our democracy.”

While commending Edo State NUJ leadership, led by its chairman, Desmond Agbama, for its laudable programmes in the state, Odubu commended the qualities of persons who received awards at the NUJ Week and assured that the state government and the NUJ would continue to collaborate for the benefit of the people of the state.

Expressing his gratitude to the NUJ for the award, Okhiria, who was represented on the occasion by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Affairs, Prince Kassim Afegbua, assured that the state government would continue to collaborate with journalists in the state to ensure that the ongoing developmental strides of the governor were sustained.