The Chief Executive Officer of Naija Live TV, Mr Saint Mienpamo Onitsha, has pledged the station’s support for the anti-drug sensitisation campaign planned by the United Correspondents Chapel in secondary schools across Bayelsa State.
Onitsha gave the assurance when the new executive of the United Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Bayelsa State Council, paid him a courtesy visit in Yenagoa.
He described the NUJ, particularly the Bayelsa council, as one big family and assured the chapel of the station’s support.
“I want to assure you that Naija Live TV is open for collaboration. I hold the NUJ, especially the Bayelsa State chapter, in the highest esteem. We are one big family.”
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Onitsha highlighted challenges confronting media organisations in the state, recalling how Naija Live TV was shut down for months during the Supreme Court case that sacked David Lyon after the station reported that a court issued a subpoena to a deputy governor.
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“The report was not false. It put the record straight. But that was our offence. We spent millions defending ourselves. At the end of the day, we came out victorious.”
He added that the station recently won another court case linked to Governor Douye Diri’s second-term election.
“The matter was struck out for lack of diligent prosecution. I have not even defended myself. But we have spent millions trying to show the world that we are innocent of those false allegations.”
Onitsha appealed to government officials and politicians to allow journalists to operate without hindrance.
“Media work is not an easy task. They should let us breathe. We are making it legal. We are employing Bayelsans. If you close down the station because of a particular report, you have affected so many people.
“My advice to government authorities and politicians: Let media practitioners breathe. Let us be.”
Earlier, Chairman of the United Correspondents Chapel, Mr Amgbare Ekaunkumo, said the visit was to foster collaboration with Naija Live TV on news content and to seek support for the chapel’s forthcoming sensitisation programme in selected secondary schools in Yenagoa.
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He said the programme, with the theme, ‘Menace of drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime and the future of Bayelsa students,’ seeks to address social vices among youths.
Amgbare commended Naija Live TV for its factual reporting and youth-oriented programmes, which have earned the station several awards.
He expressed confidence that the engagement would strengthen synergy in news dissemination and joint sensitisation campaigns, while thanking the station’s management for its warm reception.
He described Onitsha as a passionate and visionary media practitioner who has carved a niche for himself in the industry.
