NEWS
Gov. Alex Otti Tasks Renewed Hope Media Tour Team on Professionalism, Transparency as Abia Showcases Developmental Strides
Gov. Alex Otti Tasks Renewed Hope Media Tour Team on Professionalism, Transparency as Abia Showcases Developmental Strides
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has called on members of the Renewed Hope Projects Media Tour to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, objectivity, fairness, and accuracy as they embark on the assessment of projects across the country.
The Governor made the call on Tuesday, June 17, 2026, during a reception organized in honour of members of the Renewed Hope Projects Media Tour at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia. The team is currently in Abia State to inspect projects executed through collaboration between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government, as well as initiatives solely undertaken by the state administration.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Governor Otti described the visit as an important initiative aimed at deepening transparency, accountability, and public awareness of government policies and projects. He emphasized the critical role of the media in shaping public perception and ensuring that citizens are properly informed about governance and development efforts.
According to the Governor, journalists must go beyond reporting events and should strive to provide context, balance, and factual accounts that promote national development.
“In carrying out this responsibility, I urge you to remain steadfast in the principle of professionalism, objectives, fairness and accuracy.
“The pursuit of truth must always remain the guiding principle of journalism. As custodians of public information, your words and reports have the power to unite or divide, to inspire confidence or create doubt, and to promote understanding of moral misconceptions.
“The nation requires journalists who can rise above such analysis, resist misinformation and contribute meaningfully to national development,“ Governor Otti stated.
The Governor encouraged members of the media tour to freely explore different parts of the state and independently verify the progress being recorded under his administration. He noted that his government remains committed to rebuilding public trust through transparent governance and people-oriented policies.
“Beyond official briefings and presentations. We encourage you to see for yourselves the transformations taking place across the state.
“I encourage you to engage deeply with the realities on ground and tell the stories that truly matter to our people.
“Over the past three years, our administration has remained committed to rebuilding public trust through transparent governance, improving infrastructure, enhancing security, revitalisation of education and healthcare sectors, supporting businesses and creating an enabling environment for economic growth and investment.
“The progress being recorded is not merely reflected in statistics, it is visible in the renewed confidence of our people and the ongoing transformation of communities across the state, which reflects the renewed hope agenda.
“We welcome scrutiny because we believe that genuine progress should be seen, assessed and reported objectively.
“We therefore encourage you to interact freely with residents, visit our cities, engage stakeholders and witness firsthand the developments that have taken place under our administration,“ Governor Otti stated.
Governor Otti further stressed the need to mentor and equip the next generation of journalists with not only professional skills but also strong ethical values that will sustain the credibility of the profession.
He observed that the future of journalism depends largely on young professionals who must be prepared to uphold integrity and public trust regardless of the platform they operate.
“As they venture into various aspects of journalism, weather print, broadcast, digital media, investigative reporting, public affairs or development communication, it is imperative that they are equipped not only with technical skills, but also with strong ethical values, integrity, exercising any commitment to the public good.
“We need young professionals who understand that journalism is not merely a profession, but a public trust,“ he said.
The Governor also commended the Presidency, through the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Chief Bayo Onanuga, for initiating the media tour, noting that the exercise provides Nigerians with firsthand information about government projects and development efforts across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the media delegation, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Chief Bayo Onanuga, said the Renewed Hope Media Tour was designed to enable participants independently assess major projects being implemented by both the Federal and State Governments while also gaining deeper insight into ongoing development initiatives nationwide.
Chief Onanuga expressed appreciation to Governor Alex Otti and the people of Abia State for the warm reception accorded to the team. He highlighted the importance of synergy between the Federal Government and state governments in accelerating development and improving the living conditions of citizens.
He also commended the cordial working relationship between the Federal Government and sub-national governments, noting that ongoing economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have expanded the resources available to states for developmental projects.
“The federal and state governments are working together for the progress of Nigerians. The resources now available to states are enabling them to undertake projects that improve the lives of citizens,“ Chief Onanuga said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, urged members of the media team to approach their assignment with professionalism, objectivity, and a commitment to truth. He also encouraged the visitors to experience the rich culture, hospitality, resilience, and progressive spirit of the Abia people during their stay in the state.
“Your reports will help shape public understanding of the efforts being made by governments at different levels to address national challenges and improve the lives of our citizens,“ Prince Kanu said.
Prince Kanu described the visit as a reflection of the growing partnership between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government in delivering critical infrastructure, economic growth, and improved welfare for citizens.
He noted that Governor Alex Otti’s administration has consistently embraced collaboration as a key driver of sustainable development since assuming office.
“Since assuming office, Governor Alex Otti has consistently maintained that governance should be driven by service, results, and partnerships.
“This philosophy has guided the administration’s engagement with the Federal Government, development partners, private sector stakeholders, and various institutions to accelerate progress across critical sectors including infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and economic development,“ Prince Kanu stated.
The reception attracted a distinguished gathering of government officials, political leaders, and stakeholders, including the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD, the Abia State Chairman of the Labour Party, Hon. Peter Azubuike, members of the clergy, senior government functionaries, and other notable dignitaries.
The event underscored Abia State’s commitment to openness, accountability, and strategic partnerships while providing members of the Renewed Hope Projects Media Tour with an opportunity to witness firsthand the transformation taking place across
the state under the administration of Governor Alex Otti.
