A foremost leader in Egbema Kingdom in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, Amb. Dcn. Jude Ebitimi Ukori (JP), has underscored the indispensable role of the media in strengthening democratic governance, accountability, and sustainable development in society, while urging journalists to remain steadfast in upholding truth, professionalism, and ethical journalism.

Ukori made the call while delivering his keynote address as Chairman of the 5th Anniversary celebration of the Congress Newspaper, with the theme: "The Role of Media in Governance", which held at the TM Palace Hotel along Airport Road in Effurun on Thursday, July 16, 2026, 2026.

Congratulating the management, staff, partners, and supporters of Congress Newspaper on its five years of operation, Ukori praised the newspaper for establishing itself as a credible platform committed to delivering timely, balanced, and factual information.

According to the Egbema leader, Congress Newspaper was founded on the conviction that the public deserves truthful and credible information, noting that over the past five years, the publication has consistently lived up to that vision through quality news reporting, investigative journalism, editorials, feature stories, and digital content.

He commended the newspaper for giving voice to ordinary citizens, promoting transparency, and holding those in authority accountable while faithfully telling the stories of the Niger Delta and Nigeria with courage, professionalism, and integrity.

Speaking on the anniversary theme, Ukori described the media as an essential pillar of democracy, stressing that governance thrives when there is effective communication between government, the governed, and the media. He explained that the media plays a vital role in informing citizens about government policies, programmes, and decisions, thereby enabling them to participate meaningfully in governance.

The chairman further stated that the press serves as society's watchdog by investigating corruption, abuse of office, mismanagement of public resources, and neglect of communities, emphasizing that accountability remains fundamental to a healthy democracy, and highlighted the media's responsibility in providing platforms for dialogue through interviews, opinion articles, public discussions, and community engagements, saying "such interactions strengthen democratic participation and foster constructive engagement between public office holders and citizens."

Ukori noted that beyond reporting events, the media also has the responsibility of educating the public by simplifying complex government policies, combating misinformation and disinformation, promoting civic responsibility, encouraging peaceful coexistence, and contributing to nation-building, particularly within the Niger Delta.

Looking ahead, he observed that the media industry is undergoing rapid transformation driven by technological advancements, particularly Artificial Intelligence, alongside the growing challenge of fake news and misinformation.

He therefore charged Congress Newspaper and media practitioners to remain committed to truth and credibility, describing integrity as the publication's greatest asset in the digital age, as well as urged the organisation to embrace solution-oriented journalism by highlighting innovations, development initiatives, and success stories capable of inspiring positive societal change.

He further encouraged the newspaper to invest in training young journalists equipped with strong ethical values and modern technological skills while strengthening partnerships with government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, and the private sector to promote sustainable community development.

Ukori expressed appreciation to the founders, management, editors, reporters, photographers, advertisers, subscribers, and loyal readers of Congress Newspaper for their unwavering support and sacrifices over the past five years. He reaffirmed the newspaper's commitment to remaining a responsible partner in nation-building through fair, objective, courageous, and constructive journalism.

Quoting former United States President Thomas Jefferson, Ukori reminded participants of the enduring value of a free press, noting that newspapers remain indispensable to democratic governance, and concluded by congratulating the Board, Management, Staff, partners, and supporters of Congress Newspaper on the milestone and formally declared the activities marking the newspaper's fifth anniversary officially open.

View photos of the anniversary: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1LxoKWdjaC/