By John Odhe, YENAGOA
The United Correspondent Chapel (UCC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State council, has solicited partnership with social media influencers in its advocacy against drug abuse and cultism amongst students.
The UCC made the advocacy when its management led by the chairman, Comrade Ekaunkumo Amgbare, paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Closer TV online platform, Mr. Johnson Ogbomade at his office in Yenagoa.
Receiving the delegation, the Ogbomade pledged the support of his organization to the UCC in its efforts to engage and sensitize youths on the dangers of drug abuse, cultism and cybercrime.
The closer TV CEO expressed delight over the visit, describing members of the united correspondent chapel as professionals whose wealth of experience would spur the online platform to do more in the media industry.
On youth empowerment, Ogbomade said the organization has been in the forefront of engaging young Bayelsans and providing them with skills.
He lamented the rising cases of drug abuse, cultism and cybercrime among youths, and commended the Chapel for initiating school sensitization programmes to address the vices.
“Drug abuse, cultism and cybercrime have eaten deep into the lives of our youths. A lot of young lives have been wasted.
“The matter you want to take to schools to sensitize these young ones is a good one, and we will give our total support, especially in the area of publicity,” Ogbomade stated.
The CEO also announced that Closer TV would soon commence full broadcast operations from its new facility.
Ogbomade appealed to members of the united correspondents chapel to use their various platforms to project the activities of Closer TV Online, noting that the organization was owned by a young Bayelsan and was committed to telling Bayelsa’s story.
Presenting his address chairman of UCC, Amgbare, said the chapel had the responsibility to identify and partner with media organizations advancing truth-telling and public enlightenment.
Flanked by his vice, Mr. John Odhe and other members of the executive committee, Amgbare commended closer TV for carving a niche for itself as one of the fastest-growing digital media platforms in the state within a short period.
He explained that the purpose of the visit was to seek collaboration that would strengthen journalism practice and to appreciate the platform for promoting Bayelsa’s image.
Amgbare added that both organizations could collaborate on news coverage, special reports, and public enlightenment programmes that benefit journalists and the people of Bayelsa State.
He disclosed that the chapel was planning a sensitization programme for selected secondary schools in September and solicited the support of closer TV for publicity and coverage.
