A body of newspaper and magazine publishers known as Independent Newspaper Publishers Association of Rivers State (RIVPA), has assured of its readiness to continue to promote the policy and other activities of the state government, under the able leadership of Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
The assurance was made by RIVPA Chairman, Hon. Gloria Boma Harry, at a courtesy visit of RIVPA members to the recently appointed Commissioner for Information and Communications, Rivers State, Hon. Warisenibo Joseph Johnson in his office today, the 29th of November, 2023.
Presenting her address at the visit, Hon.Gloria Harry said: “It is indeed a privilege for me to lead a team of great publishers in Rivers State to this August meeting holding in the month of November, 2023.”
“The aim of our visit is to primarily congratulate you, our former Secretary on your well deserved appointment as the driver of the communication vehicle in our dear Rivers State.”
“Your appointment is well deserved and will boost the relationship between the media and the state government under the leadership of Sir Siminialayi Fubara.”
“As media owners, whose job it is to set agenda for society, through our various newspapers and magazines, we want to assure you that RIVPA will do everything within her powers to ensure that Rivers State receives positive and investment friendly reportage which will impact on the socioeconomic sector of the State.”
“We want to also use this opportunity to express our gratitude to our amiable Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara for appointing you as the commissioner for information and communications. This appointment has further confirmed that his administration places priority on harnessing the fortunes inherent in fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with the media.”
“We do not want to appear like the Oliver Twist, but it is critical that we place certain issues on record for the sake of deepening the existing partnership with the Rivers State Government.”
“Recall, Mr. Commissioner that Rivers publishers received grants to boost their newspaper businesses on monthly basis, from the era of Sir. Peter Odili and the early part of Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.”
“This grant abruptly stopped during the administration of Chibuike Amaechi and has remained suspended for over 10 years.”
“To say that the discontinuation of this grant to Rivers publishers, has caused untold hardship to members of RIVPA, is to say the least, particularly now that the cost of doing business has gone off the roof.”
“It is important to note that RIVPA members publicise the activities of the state government on daily basis, as part of our social responsibility of informing, educating and entertaining the public.”
“Hon. Commissioner Sir, the members of RIVPA has asked me to tell you that the review and continuation of this monthly grant might be one of the reasons God choose you to become the commissioner at this time.”
“Just like Queen Esther in the Bible was placed in the palace ahead of time to prevent the destruction of the Jews, you our Hon. Commissioner and former Secretary General have been put in this office to speak on behalf of your colleagues and primary constituents.”
“Secondly, RIVPA has asked me to tell you that we would want to have a handshake with Our performance driven Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara, especially now that he has made one of us a member of the State Executive Council. We want to pay him a thank you visit.”
“Finally, RIVPA is planning an end of year party, and we will be honouring you our dear Commissioner and other colleagues who have made us proud.”
“On behalf of RIVPA, I pray that God will use you to change the narrative when it comes to media and government relations and grant you all you need to succeed.” The RIVPA Chairman stated.
In his response, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joseph Johnson, promised to do everything within its powers to ensure that Rivers State receives positive and investment friendly reportage.
The Commissioner, who spoke on government’s willingness to operate an open and transparent administration, added that the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara is poised to run an open and transparent administration that will make the accelerated development of the state, the centrepiece of its focus.
The Honourable Commissioner thanked RIVPA for the visit and declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is a good governor with good intentions for the people of the state and affirmed that RIVPA’s request will receive government’s cooperation and support.
He further disclosed that the Ministry of Information and Communications under his leadership will initiate periodic media parleys, where Commissioners and heads of government departments and agencies will be able to tell people of the state their activities, achievements and challenges in implementation of the robust Economic Development Blue Print of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Mr. Johnson also informed RIVPA about Governor’s desire to hold luncheon with media practitioners in the state to apprise them of the policy thrust of the government, even as he stressed that the government seeks the advice of the media entrepreneurs and practitioners alike to succeed.
He observed that what may appear like a crisis currently in the state is a normal thing that occurs in governance, pointing out that the situation will be stabilized with time.
The Honourable Commissioner said that he was aware of the numerous challenges Publishers are going through at the moment, due to the prevailing economic situation, but noted that the government is determined to create the enabling serene atmosphere that will be conducive for smooth business operations in the state.
He, in the meantime, assured RIVPA that the Sir Siminalayi Fubara led Rivers State Government is committed to the transformation of the state’s socio-economic well-being, through effective implant of the blue print, which focuses on 12 major areas, which include: Agriculture, Education, Health and Transportation, among others.
According to the Commissioner; “This is why Governor Siminalayi Fubara is interested in the revival of the Songhai Farm and Buguma Fish Farm, among others.”
The Honourable Commissioner, who vowed to break the cycle of exclusion, hinted that work is in progress at both the reawarded Andoni axis of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road, as well as the Opobo Ring Road projects, with noticeable progress.
“We will throw the gate wide open for inclusiveness in our information and Communications management and I will fight for and defend the media community,” Mr.Commissioner stated.
In their goodwill messages, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Today’s Top News, Sir Ngo Martyns-Yellowe; Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Notable Outcome and Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Niger Delta Today, Pastor Solomon Parakom, urged the Honourable Commissioner to ensure that he carries members of RIVPA along, by way of government patronage.
