By Jude Ochuko

ASABA - As part of efforts to consolidate on its growing momentum and further revive the vibrancy of Civil Society, the Delta State Civil Society Community the umbrella body of Civil Society Organizations in the State recently paid an Advocacy visit to the leadership of Nigerian Union Of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council led by its Chairman, Comrade Mike Ikeogwu.

The Delta Civil Society Community Acting Coordinator, Deacon Okezi Odugala in his speech at the visit thanked leadership of Delta NUJ for the audience given to Delta Civil Society Community and appreciated the leadership of NUJ (Delta State Chapter), on the role the NUJ played prior to and even during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in the State.

Deacon Okezi Odugala further harped on the need for joining forces to fight for the rights of Citizens in the State and strong partnership in delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Goal number 17.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Civic Engagement and Civil Society, Activist Rex Ekiugbo Anighoro, making his speech at the meeting affirmed that the position of the media as the fourth estate of the realm and watchdog of society is non negotiable. Activist Rex Anighoro therefore charged the NUJ to fight against sensationalism and fake news, show integrity and for a return to the days of firebrand activism.

He called for a vibrant alliance between Civil Society and the Journalism community as they both are jointly responsible for upholding the watchdog roles on behalf of the citizens.

The Senior Aide to the Governor further stated that the Civil Society and the NUJ must synergize to properly monitor and rightly report government policies and processes to citizens for them to understand better what Government is doing on their behalf.

In response to the speeches presented by the leadership of Delta State Civil Society Community and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Civic Engagement and Civil Society, the Delta NUJ Chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu commended the present drive of by the Civil Society Community towards unity and a re -awakening in the Civic space. While accepting calls for a renewed partnership, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu expressed joy that the days of lethargy in the Civil Society Community were now over as anew dawn marked with vigor, vibrancy, and great zeal has emerged with the Civil Society leader now a Senior Aide to the Governor, Activist Rex Anighoro passionately driving the process.

The Delta NUJ Boss called for more encouragement for Journalists in the State, appealing for the support of the CSO Community to advocate for international support and funding in the area of training and re - training for its members. He stated that while Journalists fight for society, they often have no one to fight for them.

Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, in conclusion, stated that the completion of the NUJ State Secretariat in Asaba (Press House), Delta State is imperative, and that the Civil Society should join hands with them through advocacy in achieving this goal.