Community Newspapers, the right channel to reach grassroots

By Owho Warri

The Commanding Officer, CO, 3 Battalion of Nigerian Army, Effurun in Delta State, Major Ahmed Abdulkadir has tasked members of Delta State Chapter of Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria, ACNPN to use their association/publications to champion the fight against pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta. He noted that community newspapers is the right channel to reach the grassroots because of its coverage and understanding of the rural dwellers.

Major Abdulkadir who is the Rear Elements’ Commanding Officer of 3 Battalion, Effurun gave the task Monday July 10 at the 3 Battalion, Nigerian Army Barrack, Effurun near Warri when he played host to members of Delta State Chapter of ACNPN.

Cross Section of Delta State ACNPN members & Major Ahmed Abdulkadri (middle)

While admonishing the Delta State indigenous publishers to use their media to reach out to people of the grassroots on the need to stop crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other economic sabotage, the Army Chief assured members of ACNPN of a cordial working relationship aimed at stopping criminal elements from operating in the Niger Delta.

Our publisher who was a part of the visit stressed the importance of the visit, noting that this is the first time a working relationship is being established between Delta indigenous Newspapers/Magazine publishers and military formations which looks like a good beginning. Meanwhile a staff of Defense Headquarters, Mr. Peter Dong at Efferun barracks stressed the need for ACNPN to deploy their platforms to preach peaceful ethnic co-existence in the country.

Speaking earlier, Delta State Chairman of ACNPN, Comrade Jude Obiemenyego solicited for a working relationship between the Army in Delta State with a view to ensuring adequate reportage of their activities.

The chairman of ACNPN, Comrade Obiemenyego was accompanied by members of his executive and a couple of Delta indigenous publishers.