Energy, Maritime Reporters Seek NUJ Backing to Deepen Specialised Journalism Nationwide

From Chris Akhabue, Edo 

The Edo State Chapter of the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR) has called for strategic collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to strengthen specialised reporting in the country’s critical energy and maritime sectors.

The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by the EMR executive committee to the Chairman of the NUJ, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe.

Speaking during the visit, EMR Chairman in Edo State, Andrew Ohwobetehe, congratulated Alenkhe on his leadership of the union and his recent appointment as Acting Managing Director of the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS). He commended his commitment to journalists’ welfare, professionalism, and ethical standards.

Ohwobetehe explained that the visit was aimed at formally introducing the association to the NUJ leadership, outlining its vision, and seeking guidance and collaboration to advance its objectives.

He described EMR as a professional media platform dedicated to promoting credible, investigative, developmental, and solution-driven journalism, particularly within Nigeria’s energy and maritime industries.

According to him, the association comprises journalists, editors, correspondents, broadcasters, analysts, and communication professionals committed to enhancing coverage of sectors that are vital to Nigeria’s economic growth.

“Our vision is to become the leading professional media body in Nigeria and across Africa, dedicated to accurate, balanced, and impactful reporting on energy and blue economy management,” he said.

Ohwobetehe added that the association plans to build the capacity of media practitioners through training programmes, seminars, conferences, and workshops. He further noted that EMR intends to collaborate with government agencies, regulatory bodies, security institutions, development partners, private sector players, and civil society organisations.

These partnerships, he said, would focus on promoting environmental sustainability, marine safety, responsible energy reporting, and increased public awareness of developments in the oil and gas, shipping, ports, and inland waterways sectors.

Highlighting the importance of specialised journalism, Ohwobetehe stressed that the energy and maritime sectors remain key drivers of Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, trade, and national security.

He assured the NUJ that EMR would operate as an independent, non-partisan, and professional body aligned with the ethical principles of journalism. He also pledged the association’s support for the union’s efforts in advancing press freedom and improving journalists’ welfare.

In his response, NUJ Edo State Council Chairman, Festus Alenkhe, commended the association for the initiative and acknowledged the strategic importance of the sectors it represents.

He urged members of the EMR to prioritise accuracy, balance, and thorough fact-checking in their reports, noting that credible journalism in these sectors plays a crucial role in shaping government policies and corporate decision-making.

Alenkhe further advised the association to adhere strictly to journalistic ethics and to expand its membership base by integrating more NUJ members in Edo State.

He also stressed the need for institutional alignment, encouraging the group to engage with the national leadership of the NUJ to secure formal recognition and ensure cooperation across all state councils nationwide.

“You should reach out to your national president to liaise with the NUJ national body. This will help facilitate full cooperation and ensure recognition and support from NUJ councils across the country,” he said.