Expose Challenges Facing Riverine Communities, Mulade Charges Media Practitioners

The National Coordinator of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Comrade Sheriff Mulade has enjoined Media Practitioners to give priority reportage to the plights and yearnings of people living in the riverine communities in order to attract development and improve the standard of living of the people.

Comrade Mulade, a Niger Delta Environmental Activist and UN Peace Ambassador who made this call on Tuesday, January 7, at CEPEJ’s Headquarters in Ugolo-Okpe, Osubi, Delta State during an appreciation day for media organizations which partnered with CEPEJ in 2019, noted that media advocacy is a panacea for development.

He said; “I want to use this medium to charge all media practitioners to expose the challenges facing the riverine communities, the many sufferings of our people in terms of lack of good and accessible roads, lack of drinkable water, lack of electricity supply, quality education, health facilities and other infrastructural facilities, silting Rivers due to lack of dredging, air and water pollution from oil spills, poor maintenance of the few available facilities, and lack of community funding amongst others.”

Mulade appreciated the efforts of several media organizations in disseminating the various advocacy campaigns of CEPEJ in the past year at the local and international levels and appealed for their continued support in the new year.

“We are impressed by the interventionist roles played by the Press in peace building towards sustainable development in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. The way you informed, educated and entertained the people, helped to influence the way people think and make decisions.

“We appreciate you deeply for your tireless efforts and contributions by visiting the riverine communities several times to capture and confirm the good works this NGO has done and is doing in those difficult geographical terrains.

“The Press has helped us in publicising our call to the Delta State Government to create a Coastal Areas Development Agency, CADA, that will pilot a blue print for the development of the riverine communities. We commend the expertise and professionalism with which the media have communicated CEPEJ’s messages to a large audience far and near.

“We appeal to all media outfits to continue with the good work to affect lives positively directly and indirectly, speak out and to tell the world only the truth about issues in and around Nigeria at all times, and shun fake and hate news to avoid over heating the polity.”

He further informed that CEPEJ will be more visible in the media space this year in the call for a stronger Delta, supporting advocacy for development, good governance, poverty eradication, peace building and security.

Comrade Sheriff Mulade also showered appreciation on CEPEJ’s management team for their support and contribution towards achieving various tasks set out by the organization.

“I cannot thank everyone enough for your individual involvement and willingness to take on and complete tasks beyond your comfort zones. We are indeed very grateful, adding, the team of very competent, highly motivated and dedicated staff, Management and Board members who know their jobs and are result-oriented.”