The Bayelsa State Government have sought the collaboration of the media in tackling the perennial flood that is currently ravaging parts of the state.
At a meeting with General Managers and Heads of News of the various Radio and Television stations in the state, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson said such collaboration will help the government to mitigate the situation.
He explained that increased awareness is needed, considering the critical situation the state has found itself and urged the media to take up that responsibility.
According to him, the media must work with the government to inform the people of steps being taken to provide succour for victims and reduce the level of panic associated with the occurrence of such disaster.
He appealed to the media chiefs not to commercialize reports of the flood situation but see it as a social service they are rendering to a state and people that are in dire need of help.
Iworiso-Markson stated that Governor Henry Seriake Dickson has put in place measures to prevent any escalation of the flood and again called on the federal government to step up support to compliment its effort.
The Commissioner thanked the state media for the existing partnership and reminded them of the need to remain apolitical in their reports during the 2019 general elections.
“This meeting is essentially to solicit your cooperation as we tackle the challenge of flooding that is facing us now. I don’t need to inform you of your role as professionals but to let you know that this is a critical moment for us as a people and as a state.
“At times like this, mass sensitization is important as it will help to reduce panic among the people. So if the people are aware of the efforts we are putting to mitigate the situation, I think we would have conquered one major thing.
“I know that you have to run your various stations, buy diesel, pay salaries and other bills, but this is a natural disaster and should not be commercialized”.
The General Managers lauded the government for being proactive in handling the flood and pledged to use their medium to create the needed awareness.
