The Edo State Chapter of the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR) on Thursday sought the support and partnership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, to promote specialised journalism in the energy and maritime sectors.
The appeal was made by the Chairman of the EMR, Edo State Chapter, Andrew Ohwobetehe, during a familiarisation visit by the association’s executive committee to the Chairman of the NUJ, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe.
Ohwobetehe congratulated Alenkhe on his leadership of the NUJ in Edo State and his recent appointment as Acting Managing Director of the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), commending his commitment to journalists’ welfare, professionalism and ethical journalism.
He said the visit was aimed at formally introducing the EMR to the NUJ leadership, presenting the association’s vision and objectives, and seeking the union’s guidance and collaboration.
According to him, the EMR was established as a professional media and public communication platform to promote credible, investigative, developmental and solution-driven journalism in Nigeria’s energy and maritime sectors.
He noted that the association brings together journalists, editors, correspondents, broadcasters, analysts and communication professionals committed to improving coverage of sectors that are critical to Nigeria’s economy.
“Our vision is to become the leading professional media body in Nigeria and Africa dedicated to accurate, balanced, developmental and impactful reporting on energy and blue economy management,” he said.
Ohwobetehe explained that the organisation would promote responsible journalism through training programmes, seminars, conferences and workshops aimed at building the capacity of media practitioners.
He added that the EMR also plans to collaborate with government institutions, regulatory agencies, security agencies, development partners, the private sector and civil society organisations to promote
environmental sustainability, marine safety, responsible energy reporting and greater public awareness of issues affecting the oil and gas, shipping, ports and inland waterways sectors.The EMR chairman stressed that specialised journalism had become increasingly important because the energy and maritime industries contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy, employment, trade and national security.
He assured the NUJ that the association would operate as an independent, non-partisan and professional body committed to the ethics of journalism and the ideals of the union.
Ohwobetehe expressed appreciation for the role of the NUJ in defending press freedom and protecting journalists’ welfare, while pledging the EMR’s commitment to supporting the union and contributing to the advancement of journalism practice in Edo State and across Nigeria.
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.
