Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, embarked on an extensive inspection tour of state-owned media establishments, including Rivers State Television (RSTV), Radio Rivers FM, The Tide Newspaper, Garden City FM, and the State Printing Press. This visit marks a significant departure from the neglect that has characterised the relationship between the state government and its media assets for years. For the first time in a long while, no sitting governor has demonstrated such tangible interest in these institutions. Ibas’ initiative is a noteworthy and laudable endeavour.

The dire state of these media houses has been a lingering concern for both employees and the public alike. For years, they have yearned for governmental attention, languishing in a deplorable condition due to systemic abandonment. Infrastructure has crumbled, equipment has become obsolete, and morale has plummeted. The administrator’s visit is, therefore, a pivotal step in the right direction, acknowledging the critical role these institutions play in societal development and affirming their value to the state’s cultural and informational fabric. This engagement is a long-overdue recognition of their importance.

We are immensely gratified that the current administration has not only expressed verbal interest but has taken the concrete step of visiting these establishments to gain a first-hand understanding of their challenges. This hands-on approach is both refreshing and essential. It demonstrates a genuine commitment to addressing the deep-seated issues that have plagued these media houses for decades. Such proactive leadership is a testament to Ibas’ dedication to governance that is both inclusive and transformative. He has set a precedent for future administrations to follow.

For the first time in recent memory, there appears to be a tactile hope of revival for these media houses. Vice Admiral Ibas’ assurance that revitalisation efforts will be both immediate and sustained has ignited a sense of optimism among stakeholders. This promise, coupled with his directive to the Ministry of Information and Communications to prepare a comprehensive revitalisation plan, indicates a structured and sincere intention to restore these institutions to their former glory. The potential for a media recrudescence in Rivers State is now within reach.

In times past, institutions like the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Radio Rivers, and Rivers State Television were regarded as flagships of media excellence, not only within the state but nationally. The golden days of Radio Rivers, Nigerian Tide (as it then was), and RSTV are still recalled with nostalgia, when they set standards for journalism, entertainment, and public discourse. Their decline has been a tragic loss for the state’s cultural and informational landscape. Restoring them to their erstwhile prominence is not only a logistical necessity but a moral imperative for preserving the state’s heritage.

It is only logical that anyone that has invested meaningfully in a business ought to ensure its sustainability and prosperity. The state government, as the primary stakeholder, has a profound responsibility to maintain these establishments in good stead and prevent their further deterioration. We firmly believe that Administrator Ibas’ visit will herald good tidings for these media houses, aligning them with modern standards and enhancing their capacity to serve the public effectively. This intervention is a wise investment in the state’s developmental trajectory.

We fervently call on the sole administrator to ensure that this burgeoning hope is not dashed. The optimism generated by his visit must be matched with decisive action. We are confident that he will translate his words into tangible outcomes, taking positive steps to revamp the media houses, enabling them to flow with the tide of modern development in the industry. Reclaiming their lost glory requires not just promises but a steadfast commitment to implementation and excellence.

These establishments are not merely symbolic; they serve the practical interests of the state and its indigenes. They employ predominantly Rivers State indigenes, making them a critical source of livelihood for many families. If allowed to rot further, the first victims will be the dedicated workers and their dependents. Revitalising these media houses is, therefore, an urgent economic necessity as much as a cultural one.

Workers in the state media industry are called upon to keep the flag flying and not to relinquish hope. During this period of renewal, they must double their efforts, fostering a peaceful and collaborative working environment that encourages the government to hasten its revitalisation efforts. Their resilience and professionalism will be instrumental in convincing the administration to prioritise the rejuvenation of the organisations, ensuring that the current momentum is not lost.

We firmly believe that, if provided with the right tools and environment, the media houses can regain their productivity and competitiveness. Modern equipment, updated infrastructure, and continuous training are essential to bringing them on par with contemporary media standards. With these resources, they can once again become beacons of journalistic integrity and innovation, serving the public with the excellence they deserve.

We earnestly appeal to the government not to abandon the process it has begun. The enthusiastic turnout of workers during the administrator’s visit is a clear indication of their long-held yearning for such attention. This enthusiasm must be met with unwavering commitment from the state. The government must capitalise on this goodwill and ensure that the initial steps taken are followed through with sustained action and investment.

Both the infrastructure and manpower of the media firms have been stretched to a breaking point. The existing staff are overworked and under-supported, while the physical assets are on the verge of irreversible decay. Now that the administrator has kindled hope, it is imperative that this hope is not dashed. Immediate intervention is required to alleviate the pressures and lay the foundation for a comprehensive recovery.

While we commend Ibas for his efforts, we also urge him to address the critical issue of manpower shortages. Years of unemployment have created significant gaps in service delivery, and the few remaining staff are severely overstretched. Employing additional hands is essential to bridge these gaps, allowing for knowledge transfer from ageing workers to new recruits and averting a potential crisis in continuity and operational capacity.

Specifically, The Tide newspaper requires urgent rehabilitation of its expensive rotary machine, which has lain idle for years. The absence of this machinery is costing the corporation greatly, both financially and operationally. Restoring it would not only enhance the newspaper’s efficiency but also provide substantial benefits to the state government through increased productivity and revenue potential.

Government is inherently a continuum. If Vice Admiral Ibas is unable to complete the remodelling process before his exit, we implore subsequent administrations to continue this vital work. The revitalisation of Rivers State’s media houses is too important to be abandoned or subjected to political vicissitudes. It must be pursued with unwavering dedication until the media institutions are fully restored to their rightful place.