By Ogholi Oghogho Erica Special Correspondent, Niger Delta Herald
YENAGOA – Day two of the Bayelsa Media Summit held in Yenagoa on May 9, 2025, stirred robust conversation on the need to deepen ethical reporting and amplify indigenous voices. The event, themed “Media, Culture & Identity in Bayelsa State: Promoting Indigenous Perspectives,” brought together key players in the state’s information sector, political leaders, and academics.
Proceedings began with a recap of Day One’s highlights, including addresses by Governor Douye Diri and communication scholar, Prof. Muyiwa Popoola, who spoke on “Ethical Reporting: Re-orienting Bayelsa Journalists.”
A documentary tracing Bayelsa’s progress since its creation in 1996 was screened. It showcased infrastructural strides and governance efforts aimed at preparing the state for a more prosperous future.
Notable attendees included Mr. Seighefa Ozaka, former NUJ Chairman and current Director at the Ministry of Information. The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei—who missed the opening day—took center stage with a major appearance.
Prof. Ayawei launched the summit’s official newsletter with a N1.5 million donation and delivered a thought-provoking presentation titled “Setting the Media Agenda for the ASSURED Prosperity.”
He challenged the press to move beyond routine political commentary and dig deeper into issues that affect the lives of ordinary Bayelsans.
> “No matter how journalists report—whether good or bad—that is the narrative that enters the public domain,” Ayawei said. “How many have asked the Commissioner for Health how far the budget allocations have been implemented?”
The SSG decried surface-level media engagement and urged reporters to scrutinize state policies and developmental projects. He pointed to the ongoing Brass road construction as an example of visionary governance misinterpreted by political bias.
> “People say we are building the Brass road to win elections. The Governor is not contesting anymore. This is about economic foresight. We are opening frontiers,” he stressed.
Ayawei emphasized that the government welcomes constructive scrutiny and that appointees who shy away from media inquiries should be reported.
During the Q&A session, a journalist, David West, argued that the media has tried to engage public officials, but many appointees are evasive.
> “We call them for radio interviews; they decline. Some say our stations are antagonistic because we speak the truth,” West stated.
Prof. Ayawei responded firmly, calling such behavior unacceptable and asked journalists to forward the names of such officials to his office.
Also speaking was renowned cultural scholar, Prof. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, who lent his voice to the need for Bayelsa’s media to reclaim cultural narratives and represent local identity without apology.
The session ended with a passionate call for the Bayelsa media to rise above partisanship, probe governance critically, and boldly project the stories, struggles, and successes of the Ijaw people to the world.