By Chinonso Alozie

Owerri – The Imo state Governor, Hope Uzodimma, on Wednesday, urged the members of the Guild of Editors to partner with the South East region on how to develop it.

Uzodimma spoke while declaring open the two-day workshop for Editors and Media Executives in Southeast and South-South Geopolitical zones held in Owerri, in partnership with the Imo state government and United Nations International Children’s Education Fund, UNICEF.

The governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Chinyere Ekomaro, said: “While I do not advocate for sectionalism among Nigerians, we need to rebuild the economic and political alliances that once made us strong. We should encourage a strong relationship among all the states of the SE and SS to enable us to negotiate effectively with the rest of Nigeria on issues that concern us. The North and West are doing it; we should speak with one voice on matters that affect the welfare of the old Eastern Region.

“This is where your theme is particularly relevant. How can the media effectively function as partners in regional development? In a previous address, I advocated for what I call “Developmental Journalism.” This approach emphasizes promoting ideas, thoughts, and actions geared towards development, rather than destructive and divisive tendencies. It also involves guiding the masses to appreciate government policies and programs initiated for their good, even if they may initially seem otherwise.

“In conclusion, I urge each of you to consider how you can become more active partners in the development of the Eastern region. Let your reporting be balanced, factual, and development-focused. Strive to go beyond mere news reporting and engage in solution-oriented journalism. Collaborate not just with the government but also with each other across state lines. Let us revive the spirit of unity that once made our region a powerhouse of development.”

The Chairman of the occasion, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Paul University, Awka, Prof. Stella Okunna, said: “I begin with commendation for this intervention. I am glad UNICEF has to look South way. No longer being “Northcentric” as said by the President of the Guild. Let us begin to research look at our problems. South East needs development. South East South South are backsliding. Somehow bad governance is contributing to it. Especially the South East. The media have the power nobody should device you. The power to change the society.”

Earlier in his remark, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, among other things said the main purpose of the workshop was to look into how to strengthen the media’s role in highlighting development issues, fostering accountability and inclusive growth for the society.

According to him, “It is an honour to welcome you to this Regional Editors Summit for Development. Today, we gather with a shared vision: to explore how the media can play a transformative role in driving sustainable development in our region. As gatekeepers of information your work is pivotal in shaping narratives that influence public policy, inspire innovation, and engage communities in the pursuit of a better future.

“This summit comes at a critical juncture. Our regions face numerous challenges—ranging from economic inequality and environmental degradation to health crises and social unrest. Yet, within these challenges lie opportunities for progress. The stories we tell can shine a light on solutions, foster collaboration across sectors, and empower citizens to take action.

“Our discussions today will focus on how we can strengthen the media’s role in highlighting development issues, fostering accountability, and promoting inclusive growth. I encourage each of you to bring your insights, experiences, and creativity to the table, as we seek to collectively address the pressing issues of our time.”

He further said that; “The southeast and south-south regions have been battered by all sorts of crises that have impacted negatively on vulnerable members of these regions. Although one cannot deny the problems poor governance has caused in these regions, this scenario challenges us to to dig deep and highlight the economic and social conditions of the people which can prompt agencies like UNICEF to intervene. Recently at another collaborative effort between the Guild and UNICEF, I was surprised that the data produced by UNICEF indicating the poor living conditions of the people all came from the north.

“This prompted me to ask the UNICEF guys led by Rajat why almost all the data came from the north. I then asked during my intervention is it that there were no poor or vulnerable people in the southeast and south-south. One of the answers could be that we are not reporting the social and economic problems of the region enough. Are we too caught up with reporting insecurity without also highlighting it’s up springs- like diseases, hunger etc that can serve as a valuable resource for intervention agencies? This summit we hope is a small way of ensuring that journalism speaks more for the people.”