The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Comrade Nkem Nwaeke, has urged journalists, especially those operating in the Warri axis of the state, to maintain a good working relationship with both government and private sectors.
This call was made during his unscheduled visit to the newly completed Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Warri Correspondents’ Chapel Secretariat, “the High Chief (Dr.) Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo Press Centre”, built and furnished by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
Comrade Nwaeke expressed gratitude to Tantita Security Services Limited for building and furnishing the secretariat, citing good reportage and cordial relations as reasons for the gesture.
He said, “On behalf of my Boss, the Right Honourable Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, young, amiable and dynamic Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, I appreciate Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for this wonderful gesture. I must congratulate you Mr Chairman and the entire members of the Warri Correspondent Chapel for achieving this.
“For years, members of the chapel operated without a purpose-built structure. This beautiful new complex has changed the narrative, providing journalists with a functional and dignified environment in which to work, collaborate, and file reports.
“ I believe that this kind of investment in the media infrastructure not only reflects recognition of the press as a key democratic institution, but also the good working relationship members of the chapel have with the donor. The gesture is worthy of emulation” Nwaeke stated.
The CPS praised the development, stating that it is a boost to journalism practice in Delta State, and advised practitioners to continue reporting responsibly and collaborating with the state government, led by Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
He commended the partnership between private sector support and public leadership that delivered the project and expressed hope that similar efforts would be replicated by other organisations to strengthen media practice.
“Journalists covering Warri and its environs now have more than just a workplace, they now have a permanent professional home. I urge you to sustain constructive engagement with both state and non-state actors. I must remind us that responsible reporting and public education remain central to governance and civic trust,” Nwaeke emphasised.
Conducting the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker round the facility, the Chapel Chairman, Comrade Victor Okpomor, again thanked Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for its generosity, stating that the secretariat is a symbol of professional identity and institutional stability.
He highlighted other practical values of the facility to reporters working in Warri, noting that the secretariat is a long-overdue development that will boost the morale of journalists in the area.
Flanked by the Secretary of the Chapel, Comrade Edeki Igafe and others, Okpomor thanked Nwaeke for the visit and expressed gratitude for the cordial working relationship between Journalists and the Delta State Assembly.
The Chairman praised Guwor’s CPS for boosting media visibility and nurturing strong ties between the Assembly and journalists, stressing that his dedication to promoting the Speaker’s vision for the legislature is commendable.
“This secretariat is a game-changer for us. We now have a place of our own where we can hold meetings, workshops, and training sessions.
“Please extend our thanks to Mr Speaker for being a worthy ambassador as a Warri Boy, and tell him that we are expecting his visit to this complex to see what his brothers did for Journalists in Warri”, he stated.
Some members of the Chapel, including Comrades Michael Ikeogwu, Akpokona Omafuaire and Matthew Omonigho, spoke on their personal experiences with the CPS and urged him to sustain his usual professional approach to dealing with issues and colleagues as well as his humility and compassion for others.
They also lauded Nwaeke’s tireless efforts in enhancing media coverage for the Delta State House of Assembly, noting his instrumental role in fostering cordial relations between journalists and the Assembly leadership, particularly the Speaker of the House.
The journalists pledged to continue working with the Delta State Government and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, assuring them of their support and cooperation.
The visit was attended by the State Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Comrade Felix Ekwu, who accompanied the CPS to the new secretariat of the NUJ.
The visit underscores the importance of collaboration between the media and government, with Comrade Nwaeke emphasising responsible reporting and public education as key to governance and civic trust.
The NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel Secretariat is expected to serve as a hub for journalists and media practitioners in the locality, promoting quality journalism and professionalism.
