The Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, has called for stronger collaboration between the state government and journalists to enhance public awareness of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s development initiatives.
Mefor made the appeal on Thursday while addressing members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, during its July Congress in Awka.
He described his reappointment for a second term as a renewed mandate to work harder for the state and expressed appreciation to journalists for their continued support of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, as well as their fair coverage of the Soludo administration.
The commissioner announced plans to introduce quarterly media briefings aimed at strengthening engagement between the government and the media.
According to him, the briefings will provide an opportunity to review government achievements, receive feedback from journalists, and identify areas requiring improvement.
“There has been remarkable improvement. As they say, truth is always beneficial. We will strengthen this relationship further. Every quarter, we will meet here to review the government’s progress over the past few months and get your input and perspective on how to do better,” Mefor said.
He also reaffirmed his open-door policy and stressed the importance of media partnership in tackling insecurity, urging journalists to support the state’s security architecture by providing credible information to security agencies.
“If we lose Anambra to insecurity, even meetings like these will not be possible. Security agencies are working, but they need our help. If you see something, say something; call 5111. Please provide us with information, and we will take action to apprehend criminals,” he urged.
Mefor further requested to be admitted as an associate member of the Anambra NUJ Council and pledged technical support for the union’s proposed cooperative society by providing relevant documentation to assist its establishment.
In his response, the Chairman of the NUJ, Anambra State Council, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, thanked the commissioner for his visit and support while reaffirming the union’s commitment to professionalism and editorial independence.
He said the council had deliberately chosen to remain independent and focused on promoting the development of Anambra State rather than serving political interests.
“There were times we were offered money to fight the government. We rejected it because this is a union. We stand for each other, and nobody is bigger than the union. For the sake of the union and our professionalism, we will continue to do what is right,” Odogwu stated.
