By Samuel Ogude
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori said without taxation, it would be impossible for the state government to provide healthcare, security among others in the state. Governor Oborevwori stated this during the 2025 press week opening ceremony lecture/awards presentation on Thursday at Orchid Hotels, DBS Road Asaba, and the state capital.
According to him, the government is committed to reforms that would guarantee availability of income which in turn be well invested to bring the needed growth and development to the state. He said the theme of the programme:” Tax Regimes and Exchange Rate Unification: Economic Implications and the Media’s Strategic Role” is a timely one as taxation remains the backbone of any government.
Governor Oborevwori who was represented by the Hon. Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagu called on NUJ to embrace the responsibility of fairness, patriotism on government, media reforms on taxation that act as instruments of progress. According to him, Delta State Government would continue to partner with the media and provide access to information and transparency in governance. He expressed gratitude to the leadership of NUJ State Council and others who made the programme a success.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe said the body would always work with the relevant stakeholders to promote balance reportage and constructive engagement that would pave way for robust democratic process to earn public trust.
According to him, the annual celebration is not only a time of coming together of media professionals as a family but affords the people to interface with the larger society on the issues that would enhance good governance and the development of democratic process. His words: “This annual celebration is not only a time of fellowship and reflection within the media family, but also an opportunity for constructive engagement with the larger society on issues that shape governance and development and democracy”.
Comrade Oyowe expressed gratitude to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Delta State government for the support of press freedom, infrastructure development and inclusive governance under MORE agenda. His words:” We are witnesses to your government’s conscious investment in people – oriented projects across Delta State- in education, healthcare, infrastructure and youths’ empowerment”. He commended Journalists in the state for their dedication, resilience and unity of purpose adding, that despite the challenges facing the profession, they continue to uphold the ideals of truth, fairness and responsibility. Comrade thanked the various discussants and awardees for excellence, integrity in the nation building.
The climax of the programme was the presentation of awards to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Udu Council Chairman, Chief Vincent Oyibode, Managing Director/CEO, Iyanda Farms, Asiwaju Sola Adebayo, Senator representing Delta South, Senator Joel Onowakpor, Vice Chancellor University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Stella Chinyere Chiemeke ,among others for their various contributions to the development of humanity.