His Royal Majesty, Dr. Emmanuel O. Efeizomor 11 (JP) OON, the Obi of Owa kingdom, has charged journalists in Ika land to unite in order to maximize the power they possess as journalists.
The Monarch who doubles as the Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers gave the charge on Tuesday November 27, 2018 while playing host to a number of journalists at his palace in Owa Oyibu, the administrative headquarters of Ika North East Local Government Area.
The Monarch who is a veteran journalist noted that having observed the recent development in various publications, he arrived at the need to parley with journalists in Ika land. He stated that having read other Community Newspapers within the State, Ika Weekly Newspaper is distinguished from them all. He therefore congratulated the management and staff of the newspaper.
He opined that journalists are as powerful as priests on priestly duties, maintaining that journalists have been equipped with a very powerful instrument, urging them to take advantage of it to distinguish themselves. He charged the journalists to get familiarized with one another by establishing a level of relationship amongst themselves, calling on them to set up an assemblage by which they will be known and respected by members of the society.
Going further, the monarch explained that journalists are hardworking people who work round the clock. He told them to synergize and find ways of reviving the defunct Ika Press Club, urging everyone to look beyond personal interests in actualizing the goal.
He further charged them to develop themselves through reading and other ventures that will make them relevant in the society.  He described members of the Press as molders of public opinion, stressing that if they fail to add value to themselves, they will not garner the respect of the public.
He admonished them to attend seminars, conferences and engage in other activities that add value to them. He charged them to always be well dressed and presentable at all times. He cautioned against cheap publicity in order not to spoil their reputation. He said he has always being proud to be a journalist, recounting his days of practicing.
Responding to the admonition of the monarch, Dr. Maxwell Mormah, Chief Dr. Obi Chiegile and others commended the monarch for his interest in the welfare of journalists in Ika land, saying that they will heed his calls and work together to restore the dignity of the profession. Present at the meeting were publishers, editors and reporters from all media in Ika land.