In a resounding endorsement of the media-friendly policies of the Delta State Government, the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN), Delta State Chapter, has showered accolades on Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for creating one of the most enabling environments for journalism practice in the country. The commendation came during the association’s keenly anticipated 2025 Publishers Week, Lecture, and Award Ceremony held on Thursday at the picturesque town of Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government Area.
The high point of the well-attended event was the conferment of a prestigious Merit Award for Journalistic Excellence on Sir Festus Ahon, the amiable Chief Press Secretary to Governor Oborevwori. The honour, according to the association, recognises Ahon’s decades-long dedication to ethical journalism, his professionalism in public communication, and his pivotal role in strengthening the bridge between the government and the people through accurate and timely information dissemination.
Presenting the award on behalf of the association, the Member representing Oshimili North Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Frank Esenwah, described the choice of Sir Festus Ahon as most deserving. “I am particularly delighted to present this award to a veteran journalist who has remained steadfast in the discharge of his duties even while serving at the highest level of government,” Esenwah said, amid applause from publishers, journalists, and dignitaries present.
The ceremony, chaired by former Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, also featured a thought-provoking lecture themed: “Empowering the People: Community Newspapers, Mental Health Awareness – Access to Basic Healthcare and Health Unity: The Role of Cooperative Societies in Promoting Community Healthcare and Mental Wellness.” Speakers emphasised the critical role community newspapers continue to play in amplifying grassroots voices, promoting mental health education, and advocating improved access to primary healthcare services across rural and semi-urban communities in Delta State.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Chief Press Secretary, Assistant Director of Information in the Governor’s Office, Mr. Ivovi Aruoriwo, expressed profound appreciation to the ACNPN for the recognition. In a prepared remark subsequently released by Sir Festus Ahon, the CPS described the award as both humbling and energising.
“This award is a powerful motivator,” Ahon stated. “It encourages me to remain focused, to continue upholding the finest traditions of journalism, and to strive for excellence in every assignment. I see it as a call to even greater responsibility in ensuring that the public receives timely, accurate, and balanced information about the activities of the MORE Agenda administration.”
The veteran journalist dedicated the award to God Almighty, his principal and boss, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, all media aides in the Government House, and his professional colleagues across the state. He particularly praised the governor for his unwavering respect for press freedom and for treating journalists as indispensable partners in governance rather than adversaries.
Ahon also commended members of the ACNPN and the broader journalism community in Delta State for their patriotism and for consistently collaborating with the state government to take development messages to the grassroots. “Your work in the communities is invaluable. You are the eyes and ears of the people, and this administration will continue to provide the enabling environment for you to carry out your constitutional duties without fear or favour,” he assured.
In his welcome address, the Delta State Chairman of the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria, Comrade Ike Abiagom, described the 2025 Publishers Week as another milestone in the association’s journey towards strengthening community journalism. He lauded Governor Oborevwori for walking the talk on press freedom, noting that since the inception of the present administration, no journalist or media house in the state has been harassed, intimidated, or denied access to information.
“The governor has demonstrated in words and deeds that a free and responsible press is a critical pillar of democracy,” Abiagom said. “We have enjoyed unprecedented access, prompt payment of advertisements, and a cordial relationship that allows us to report both the successes and challenges of governance objectively. This is why we deemed it fit to celebrate the governor through his Chief Press Secretary, who has been the friendly face of this administration to the media.”
The ACNPN chairman pledged the continued loyalty and constructive partnership of community newspaper publishers in Delta State, promising to use their platforms to enlighten citizens on government policies, promote peace, and drive grassroots development.
The event also featured goodwill messages from various stakeholders, cultural displays, and the formal inauguration of new patrons of the association. Attendees described the occasion as a celebration not only of journalistic excellence but of the maturing synergy between the Delta State Government and the Fourth Estate of the Realm under Governor Oborevwori’s leadership.
With the governor’s consistent rating as one of Nigeria’s most media-friendly chief executives, the recognition by the ACNPN further cements Delta State’s reputation as a safe and fertile ground for the practice of journalism, community engagement, and transparent governance.
As Sir Festus Ahon joins the growing list of distinguished recipients of the ACNPN Merit Award, the consensus among media practitioners in the state is clear: the Sheriff Oborevwori administration has set a golden standard in government-media relations that other states would do well to emulate.
