It was a colourful event as journalists as well as friends of Ovieteme George converged on the Samson Siasia Stadium, to celebrate over 90 retired media practitioners in Bayelsa State for their meritorious and impactful service to the pen profession in the state.
The celebration which was held at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa comprised personnel from different levels of journalism which include; radio, television, print and photo journalism.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Kestin Pondi, represented by Daisy Jaja, Administrative Manager Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, said journalists play crucial role in the development of any society, pointing out that journalists have helped to give voice to the voiceless.
He commended the vision bearer of the programme, Mr Ovieteme George for the laudable initiative to celebrate those who are still alive, that society is known for giving premium celebration to the dead describing the initiative as laudable.
The Tantita boss, urged the young generation of journalists to emulate the celebrated journalists and also discharge their duties with professionalism in order for younger journalists to attain respectable heights in their careers.
Also, Presiding Pastor, Charismatic Renaissance International Church, Apostle David Wale Feso, remarked that the exercise was apt because people serve in society and after retirement are rewarded for their efforts, appreciating Mr Ovieteme George and his sponsors for the laudable initiative.
Chairman Nigeria Union Journalists, NUJ Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha, asserted that the NUJ Bayelsa would continue to celebrate excellence, impact and ventures that promote the journalism profession, that the programme underscores the need for journalists to celebrate themselves after impactful service to humanity.
While commending Mr Ovieteme George and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for the gesture, the NUJ Bayelsa boss called on well-meaning, public spirited individuals and corporate organizations to support the media, maintaining that the media cannot continue to serve society without being rewarded, describing it as a new era for media practitioners in Bayelsa.
The convener of the programme, Mr Ovieteme George in an interview, noted that the motive behind the programme was to honour the living, that while growing up as child, he has always wanted to be a journalist, saying that he is grateful to the Almighty God for actualizing his dreams.
He urged journalists to always stand on the path of truth that the profession entails working towards the growth of society, expressing gratitude to everyone involved in the vision and the media for their immense contributions.
Mr Ovieteme George appreciated the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Kestin Pondi; Government Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo, chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, the wife of the governor, Mrs Patience Ama Zuofa-Diri for the massive support.
Some of the awardees/celebrants, Mrs Timiebi Sam-Ebiye, Mr Eddie Emessiri and Mr. Chris Odi, a retired Director in the Ministry of Information in separate interviews, expressed gratitude to the convener, Mr Ovieteme and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for the show of love.
They called on the state government and the federal government to emulate the vision by celebrating those who have served the nation, adding that Ovieteme has set a standard in Bayelsa and beyond.
Earlier, football matches were played as part of the celebration of the retired journalists as well as presentation of award and dummy cheques of ₦1,000,000 to each of the journalists and ₦5,000,000 to five of the octogenarians among them.
