King Luke Kalanama VIII, the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta has said that the Niger Delta region can do with a lot more comprehensive coverage of the area by the media, noting that the region requires the media, especially ones owned by its own people, to propagate the needs and challenges of the people.
Speaking on Monday – yesterday, January 13 – at the unveiling of the Niger Delta Media House in Warri, a property of the GbaramatuVoice media outfit, the royal father, who is also the 1st Vice Chairman of the Delta Council of Traditional Rulers, enthused that the GbaramatuVoice, which started a few years ago, has blossomed overtime.
“You started some years ago and, today, we are opening this magnificent edifice. I know that this is just the beginning,” King Luke Kalanama VIII said.
“We must tell our stories and we can only do that when we have our own brand.
“There is no way a Yoruba or Hausa man will tell our story like we own our story.
“We that own the story will tell the story for the outside world to know that we are the ones laying the golden egg.
“Do not forget that the media space is what we actually need to propagate the desires, feelings and aspirations of the Niger Delta.
“So, it is our prayers that your journey has just started.”
Thanking Dr Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, for his contributions to the development of the Niger Delta region, the king also commended the National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice, Mr Sheriff Mulade, for his supportive role in the development of the Niger Delta media industry.
Earlier in an address of welcome, Mr Jacob Abai, the Chief Executive Officer of GbaramatuVoice, described the project as a great milestone in the history of the outfit.
“This facility will serve as a hub for media excellence, housing radio and television stations as well as a media training centre.
“It will also accommodate a live studio, newsroom, library, research centre, administrative offices and others,” Abai said, explaining that the facility was designed to advance the organisation’s mission of promoting quality media and cultural representation in the Niger Delta.
