Gov. Okowa Hails Egbemode's Emergence As NGE President...Tasks Editors To Support Efforts On Diversification Of Economy

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the New Telegraph, Mrs. Funke Egbemode on her confirmation as the substantive President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and urged her to ensure that Editors continue to support efforts geared towards diversification of the Nigeria economy.

This was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu in Asaba.

Senator Okowa described the emergence of Egbemode as a good omen for the journalism profession considering her wealth of experience and contributions to the enthronement of democracy through her numerous writings.

"As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of falling oil prices and insecurity in the Niger Delta, oil revenue has continued on the decline in the past two years," he stated.

"Governments at all levels have been thinking on ways of creating other revenue sources. It is therefore a challenge on the Nigeria Guild of Editors, to ensure that Editors continue to suggest more ways of diversifying the economy through their editorial comments and feature writings.''

The Governor urged the new NGE President to bring her wealth of experience to bear on the Guild by taking the training and retraining of journalists very seriously as this is the only way professionalism can be restored to the journalism profession by ensuring best practices.

Governor Okowa also assured the Editors that his administration will continue to promote free press for the growth of democracy in Nigeria.