Governor Hope Uzodimma has said that Imo State remains home to all journalists in the country, noting that the State can proudly classify the journalists as her indigenes.
He spoke Friday when the executive members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors who were in Imo State for their strategy meeting paid him a courtesy call at Government House, Owerri.
Led by her President, Mr. Eze Anaba, the Guild also had kind words for Governor Uzodimma’s lovely disposition towards journalists, insisting that he is their friend.
In his remarks, the Governor called on Nigerian Guild of Editors to encourage responsible journalism which he said supports democracy and national development.
He highlighted the crucial role the media play in shaping public opinion and promoting good governance, and urged editors, as gate-keepers, to pursue with patriotic zeal, the tenets of developmental journalism, focusing on constructive criticisms that promotes national cohesion and development.
He raised concern over the unchecked influence of social media which, as a double edged sword, has in most cases, been deployed to spread damaging falsehood.
The Governor who called for measures to regulate the social media and prevent its reckless use, challenged the Guild and Nigerian Union of Journalists to rise to the occasion of ensuring that social media reckless use does not cause harm to individuals and society.
Governor Uzodimma assured that his government will remain committed to supporting journalists to bring sanity and order to the society and appealed for collaboration and partnership between the government and the media to drive development in Imo State in particular and Nigeria at large.
Assuring the Guild that Imo is safe for residents and visitors alike he urged them to feel free to visit the numerous projects that have been executed recently in the State, such as the Assumpta Flyover and reconstructed Control Post Roundabout, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre, among others.
He also encouraged them to interface with the management of the Orashi Electricity Company so as to be properly guided on the plan of his administration to light up Imo State in few months to come.
Governor Uzodimma’s speech read:
“It is indeed my great pleasure to welcome you to Owerri once again. This marks your third official visit here, and we are always glad to receive you.
“I recall that the current President of the Guild, Mr. Eze Anaba, was elected right here in Owerri two years ago. A few months before that, I had the privilege of hosting the Guild to its biannual conference. Not long after your election, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) also held its own election here in Owerri, during which the current President of the NUJ emerged.
“So, in a manner of speaking, both the President of the Guild and the President of the NUJ are Imo products. By extension, we can proudly claim you as indigenes.
“It would therefore not be out of place to declare Imo State the home of journalists. And on that note, I say: welcome home.
“Having said that, let me begin by warmly congratulating the newly elected Executive of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. I also extend my congratulations to all members of the Guild for conducting what was clearly a free, fair, and credible election in Enugu.
“Through your conduct, you have renewed confidence in the democratic process. As a microcosm of Nigeria, you have demonstrated that credible elections are possible and pointed the way forward as we approach 2027.
“Indeed, as we move closer to the next general elections, the role of the media becomes even more critical to the stability of our democracy. As I’ve said before, we rely on you to show us the path to follow. As gatekeepers of public information, what you choose to publish will shape how Nigerians interpret and respond to unfolding events.
“You have the power to permit divisive and inflammatory content that could lead to hatred, unrest, and disunity. But you also have the power to amplify voices of peace, unity, and reason. The choice is yours, but I trust that your patriotism will guide you to make the right call.
“That said, I must once again raise a concern I’ve expressed before: the unchecked influence of social media. While social media can be a powerful tool, it is also a double-edged sword. It competes with traditional platforms in speed and reach, but not necessarily in accuracy or responsibility. We must all ask: what safeguards exist to prevent individuals from sitting behind screens and spreading damaging falsehoods, without any regard for verification or fairness?
“This is a challenge for the Guild. And while I commend the steps you’ve recently taken to sanction members who breach your codes, particularly your action against those who violated confidentiality, it must not stop there. I believe the Guild, working in synergy with the NUJ, has both the authority and the responsibility to address the broader issue of the reckless use of social media. I hope to see even more decisive actions in that direction.
“I’ve taken note of your concerns and suggestions. Let me assure you that this government remains committed to supporting the journalism profession in fulfilling its role as the Fourth Estate of the Realm. My doors remain open, and so do those of my officials, many of whom are your professional colleagues. We are ready to work with you and make your job easier.
“Now that you are here again, I encourage you to enjoy the warmth and hospitality of our people. Contrary to the alarmist claims of those who do not wish us well, Imo is safe, for both residents and visitors alike.
“Take time to move around the state and see for yourselves the progress we have made in building Imo into a model of excellence. As you do, you will notice that the flyover at Assumpta Roundabout was not there when last you were here. You will also see that the world-class International Conference Centre at Orlu Road junction has since been completed. Indeed, you will be delighted by the additional infrastructure we have put in place to support the development of our state.
“But above all, I urge you to interact with the management of the Orashi Electricity Company, so you can be well apprised of how far we have gone in our determination to provide 24/7 electricity across all 27 local government areas of the state in the coming months. I am confident that by the time you conclude your visit, you will agree with us that a new Imo is truly on the rise.
“Welcome once again, and thank you for making Imo State your home. May God lead you safely back to your respective stations.”
Earlier in his address, the President Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Eze Anaba said that the group was in Owerri for their first meeting since after the inauguration of the newly elected executives.
Anaba said it is traditional they seize the opportunity of the visit in the State for such meeting to see some projects within hence the members will do the same while in Imo State.
He appreciated Governor Uzodimma for his cooperation and support to the media in the country, not just the Guild, and described him as “the friend of Journalists.”
Anaba used the opportunity to invite the Governor to the Guild’s annual editors conference holding in Abuja in October 2025. At the event, he said the Governor is expected to speak on his achievements in Imo State and what the Federal Government has done to improve democracy in Nigeria.
The Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, Commissioner for information, Strategy and Public Orientation, Hon. Declan Emelumba and some members of State expanded Executive Council were present at the event.
