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US Govt Hails Nigerian Media’s Contribution To Democracy
The United State Consul-General in Lagos, Mr Jeffrey Hawkins, yesterday said that the Nigerian media deserved kudos for a job well done in its coverage of the 2015 general elections in the country.
Hawkins spoke at a 2015 World Press Freedom Day event organised by the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, which assessed the news media’s performance covering the 2015 elections.
“By providing to the Nigerian electorate timely, factual, analytical, and objective information to help them understand the issues and where the candidates stand, the news media lived-up to a universal professional standard and contributed immensely to a healthy and functioning democracy in Nigeria.
“You and your peers deserve kudos for a job well done,’’ the Consul-General said.
Hawkins said that a free press was essential to a healthy democracy, noting that the news media must remain focused and engaged.
“The news media can be a powerful force for change. It can effectively fulfil the roles of watchdog, gatekeeper and agenda-setter.
“It can improve governance by raising citizens’ awareness of social issues, enabling citizens to hold their governments to account, curbing corruption, and creating a civic forum for debate.
“ I challenge you to continue to play an effective role in amplifying important issues that affect citizens,’’ he said.
Hawkins thanked the media for its role in strengthening democracy in the country and said the U.S. mission in the country would continue to support journalists in the area of training.
According to him, the U.S. mission, in the run-up to the elections, supported more than 28 election outreach events initiated by the Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate-General in Lagos for journalists across the country.
“To support the news media to play its central role in enhancing democracy, the U.S. Government supports capacity building and defends the freedom of the press all over the world,’’ he said.
Hawkins said that he was glad that the training programmes helped the journalists as reflected in their output.
The envoy, who said he would be leaving the country in July, said the Nigerian media had left a deep impression on his mind.
He described the elections as an exciting milestone and urged the media not to relent in its role of being a watchdog and in agenda setting.
The consul-general, however, regretted that some journalists were attacked while performing their duties and said there was no place for violence in democracy.
“All of us need to stand together to condemn such attacks and intimidation against journalists,’’ he said.
On the whole, he described the 2015 elections in Nigeria as “a remarkable experience’’, saying he was deeply honoured to be in the country when the elections took place.
“We were thrilled, not only with the work of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but also with the Nigerian voters. I believe Nigeria did well in the elections,’’ he said.
According to him, the example set by Nigeria in the elections is so important for the entire region.
A team of panelists, which included President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr Femi Adesina, and Head, Department of Mass Communication, UNILAG, Dr Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, who also spoke at the event.
Head, Digital Strategy, Premium Times, Mr Emmanuel Ogala, Founding Dean, School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, Prof. Emovwo Biakolo, and Director, International Press Centre, Mr Lanre Arogundade were also among the speakers.
Others were: Mr Chamberlain Usoh, Producer and Host, Channels Television and Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye.
Ogala and Usoh gave their experiences in the coverage of the elections from the on-line and broadcast perspectives.
Biakolo, who appraised adherence to factual, balanced and fair reporting and commentaries in the election coverage, urged the media to do more of investigative reports.
He said that while patting the media on the back, there was a need for more insightful reports.
On her part, Ogwezzy-Ndisika said it was regrettable that some media carried some offensive adverts, which went without vetting by the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria.
She said that the media faltered in this area on ethical grounds and should have refrained from publishing such offensive works.
Adesina spoke on the influence of media owners on fair and balanced reporting and commentaries in the election coverage and regretted that some owners sometimes determined the boundaries.
Akinfeleye said that editors should educate the politicians and publishers on the need to be balanced and not to betray public trust.
National Publicity Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Gbolahan Gbadamosi, who was also present, said the body would continue to work with journalists, to deepen the nation’s democracy.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo