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Delta Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori (middle), accompanied by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Emomotimi Guwor (5th left), SSG, Dr. Kingsley Emu (right), HRM, Pere Luke Kalanama viii (4th right), HRM (Dr.) Benjamin Ikenchukwu, Keagborekuzi l, Dein of Agbor Kingdom (3rd right), Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza (2nd left), the Board Chairman, DPPC, Dr, Ebenezer Okorodudu (4th left), and others cutting the 30th anniversary cake of the Pointer Newspaper in Asaba on Monday. Pix Enarusai Bripin

ASABA, Delta State: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged the media to reinforce its constitutional role in promoting balanced, factual reportage and fostering national unity. Addressing the 30th anniversary celebration of The Pointer newspaper on Monday in Asaba, themed “Honouring Truth and Unity Through Excellence in Public Communication,” Governor Oborevwori called on journalists to uphold integrity in their reportage and responsibly set the agenda to support Nigeria’s democratic values.

The Governor, who was honoured with The Pointer’s “Exemplary Democrat and Transformational Leadership Award,” stressed that the press must “speak truth to power” civilly and hold leaders accountable as a means to reinforce democracy. He encouraged journalists to avoid sensationalism, especially where religious and ethnic tensions are concerned, saying, “It is essential that the media refrains from inflaming divisions for the sake of peace and national development.”

Reflecting on The Pointer’s journey since its establishment in 1994, Oborevwori praised the newspaper for fulfilling its role of informing, educating, and entertaining the public. He commended The Pointer for remaining a “strong ally” of the Delta State Government, promoting unity and peaceful coexistence while holding a firm editorial stance.

“It has been thirty years of twists and turns, trials and triumphs in the turbulent world of print journalism. The Pointer has remained effective, with a strong editorial focus, professional editing, and reader-friendly layout,” he noted, adding that many esteemed journalists, including his own Chief Press Secretary, began their careers there.

However, the Governor acknowledged The Pointer’s challenges, pointing out that dwindling circulation, low advertising, and limited online presence hinder its growth. “There is a compelling need for the Board and Management to review operations to make the newspaper financially independent. It’s concerning when a thirty-year-old business relies on government support,” he asserted, advising an overhaul of the marketing strategy to align with global best practices.

Addressing the changing landscape of journalism, Oborevwori called for a renewed focus on digital platforms, recognising the growing reliance on handheld devices for news. He urged The Pointer to develop a “robust online presence,” noting, “In this age of new media, there is no reason why The Pointer should not have a dynamic digital reach.”

Commending the current efforts by the Ebenezer Okorodudu-led board to revamp the paper, he called on them to diversify their product range to appeal to different segments of the market. Oborevwori also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, stating, “We see the press as partners in development and are committed to providing an environment that allows them to discharge their duties freely. We only ask that journalists fact-check with relevant officials before publication to ensure accuracy and fairness.”

The event’s Chairman, former Minister of Information, Prof. Sam Oyavbaire, lauded The Pointer as one of Nigeria’s standout state-owned media outlets. He emphasised the need for continued investment in staff development to meet the evolving demands of modern journalism.

State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, highlighted The Pointer’s significant role in Delta’s information ecosystem. Despite challenges, he said the newspaper has remained in demand, applauding Governor Oborevwori for maintaining state media resources and advocating for an increased print run to meet public demand.

Welcoming guests, Chairman of The Delta Printing and Publishing Corporation, Olorogun Ebenezer Okorodudu, reaffirmed The Pointer’s commitment to truth and unity in line with the Governor’s MORE Agenda. He reported that 20% of the paper’s revenue is dedicated to staff training and development, underscoring a commitment to excellence as The Pointer continues to serve readers across Nigeria in print and digital formats.

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