By Aaior K. Comfort

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), in partnership with the Imo State Government and UNICEF, is organizing a two-day workshop aimed at enhancing the media’s role in addressing the socio-economic and environmental challenges faced by Nigeria’s South-East and South-South regions. The workshop, scheduled for October 23-24, 2024, in Owerri, Imo State, will bring together senior editors, media executives, and government-employed Guild members from the nine states across the two geopolitical zones.

In a statement signed by NGE President, Mr. Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the event underscores the importance of media in highlighting the key issues affecting the regions, including poverty, infrastructural deficits, environmental degradation, and socio-political conflicts.

The editors emphasized the significant role of the media in raising awareness, amplifying marginalized voices, and providing critical information on policies and social services. They stressed that through collaborative reporting, data-driven journalism, investigative work, and solutions-focused reporting, the media can effectively engage in mitigating these challenges.

The workshop will be chaired by renowned mass communication scholar, Professor Stella Okunna, and will feature expert presentations. Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, will declare the event open, with NGE President and UNICEF Nigeria Head, Ms. Cristian Munduate, serving as co-hosts. Themed “The Media as Partners in Regional Development,” the workshop aims to equip participants with the skills needed to address regional challenges, particularly those affecting vulnerable populations, including children.