Lady Ereyitomi advocates media collaboration for sustainable development goals

The media has been urged to play a pivotal role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through responsible and impactful reporting.This call was made on Thursday, November 21, 2021, by the Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on SDGs, Lady Diana Ereyitomi Eyo-Enoette, during a media parley held at the Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) premises in Asaba.

Addressing a select gathering of media professionals, Lady Eyo-Enoette emphasised that sustainable development is a dynamic process, requiring tailored approaches to address the unique needs and challenges of various communities across the state. She highlighted the critical role of the media in bridging the gap between the aspirational targets of the SDGs and the daily realities faced by citizens, particularly in the face of global issues such as climate change, inequality, health crises, and economic hardship.

The media, as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, wields the storytelling power to connect the ambitious goals of the SDGs with the everyday struggles of our people,” she said. She further noted that the MORE agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori aligns seamlessly with the SDGs, urging journalists to contribute meaningfully to building a world where sustainable development becomes a collective consciousness.

In her remarks, the General Manager of Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) Asaba, Mrs Kristen Jobome-Emetulu, described the parley as a strategic initiative to unify and empower media practitioners from traditional and digital platforms. She stressed the importance of media collaboration in driving awareness of the SDGs and the state’s MORE agenda. Mrs Jobome-Emetulu also highlighted DBS Asaba’s commitment to providing platforms for government agencies, ministries, private organisations, and other stakeholders to showcase their activities while generating content to promote the SDGs.

The Director-General of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, underscored the need for development-focused communication and enhanced media partnerships with international organisations. He also called for specialised training to equip journalists with the skills needed to effectively communicate the SDGs and engage grassroots communities.

Participants lauded the event’s theme, “Advancing the SDGs: Media in Action,” and its sub-theme, “Collaborative Storytelling for an Equitable and Resilient Africa,” as timely and apt. Many pledged to apply the insights gained to strengthen their roles in promoting sustainable development.

The parley featured a range of activities, including the recognition of Mrs Kristen Jobome-Emetulu as a United Nations SDGs partner and advocate. She was also presented with a certificate of participation. Other highlights included a special session with SDGs expert Mrs Augusta Impact, a presentation on SDGs projects across Delta State, which the SA said had benefitted over 5000 individuals and interactive workshops aimed at fostering deeper understanding and commitment to the SDGs.

The event concluded with participants reaffirming their dedication to using media as a tool for transformative change, bridging policy objectives with tangible impact in the lives of Delta State residents.