Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, alongside the National President of the Society of Nigeria Broadcasters (SNB), Professor Umar Pate, and the Abia State Chairman of the society, Mrs. Chinezerem Agbakuru, has underscored the critical role of broadcasting in national development during the 2026 Annual Conference of the Abia State Chapter of the ­SNB.

The one-day conference, themed “Broadcasting Beyond the Signal: Community Impact in the Digital Era,” was held at the Women Development Centre in Umuahia, the Abia State capital. Participants examined the role of broadcasting as a vital tool for development, particularly in rural communities, stressing that broadcasters and media professionals play a significant role in improving the lives of citizens.

Declaring the conference open through his deputy, Chief Ikechukwu Emetu, Governor Otti described broadcasters as public informants, educators, community mobilisers, entertainers and agents of social transformation, noting that their responsibilities extend far beyond reporting events.

He urged broadcasters to remain committed to their responsibility as trusted custodians of truth in an era characterised by information overload, misinformation and disinformation.

“The integrity of our democratic institutions, the unity of our communities, and the education of our young people depend on the quality and credibility of the information they receive,” the governor said.

Governor Otti also commended the SNB National President, Professor Umar Pate, and the Abia State leadership of the society, led by Mrs. Agbakuru of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA), for their contributions to the growth of the broadcasting profession in Nigeria.

Speaking on the conference theme, the governor described it as timely and relevant, given the rapid transformation in the creation, distribution and consumption of information through digital technology.

He reiterated his administration’s recognition of the media as a strategic partner in governance and development, emphasizing that responsible broadcasting remains indispensable to building a progressive society.

 

He charged participants to engage in robust discussions on how broadcasting can continue to positively impact communities amid technological advancement and changing audience behaviour.

In his remarks, the SNB National President, Professor Umar Pate, represented by the National Vice President (South-East Zone), Sir Chimdi Oluoha, commended the Abia State chapter for its exceptional performance and exemplary leadership within the South-East.

He assured members that the society would continue to regulate broadcasting practice while providing platforms for broadcasters to enhance their professional skills and uphold ethical standards.

Earlier, the Abia State SNB Chairman, Mrs. Chinezerem Agbakuru, said the conference highlighted the importance of broadcasting as a catalyst for development, particularly in rural communities, while improving the lives of audiences through quality programming and responsible journalism.

The conference featured a keynote lecture on the theme delivered by Professor Paschal Ihechu, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Abia State University, Uturu. It also witnessed the induction of new members into the society.

Goodwill messages were delivered by heads of broadcast stations in the state, the Acting Director-General of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State, Mr. Francis Nwubani, represented by the Director of News and Current Affairs, Mr. Blessing Egbu; representatives of Gregory University, Uturu; the Abia State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Danladi Isah, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka; and the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Abia State Chapter, Mrs. Onyinye Ralph-Nwachukwu.

Others included the Rector of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, represented by the Acting Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Victoria Kalu, and a Commissioner of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC), Mrs. Bertha Ehumadu.

The speakers unanimously commended the SNB for its commitment to regulating, unifying and advancing the broadcasting profession in Nigeria, as well as its role in promoting professionalism through the enforcement of ethical standards.