….as Association called for improved information dissemination from the Corporation
As a way to further contribute their quota to national development, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC has advised energy correspondents to practice developmental journalism as against sensational reporting .
The advice was given by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Kennie Obateru during a courtesy visit to the NNPC Towers, Abuja by the executives of the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria, NAEC on Friday.
Obateru described developmental journalism as “key” for the betterment of the nation’s economy especially as it struggles to survive the current recession, likewise regression posed by the COVID19 pandemic.
Relieving his years in active Journalism, the GGM expressed his joy at the reunion opportunity.
“I am so happy to welcome my friends here today. Our relationship transcends the job. Most of you are those I can call on anytime to help with one thing or the other, and I am overjoyed at the opportunity to see one another after many years” he said.
He assured that the Corporation is open and will always welcome the Association as well as render support to its members.
“I have always proven at every given opportunity that NNPC is a friend of the Association, and we will continue to show support,” he said.
He assured that the Corporation is tuned to criticism and advise from the Association, describing it as the “push” needed for excellence.
“When you talk to us through your reports and show us what to do, it puts us on our toes and makes us to be conscious of whatever we do,” he said, adding that in a bid to prove transparency and accountability, the Corporation had recently, for the first time in 43 years, released the Groups audited account.
“This shows that we have nothing to hide”, he added.
In his remarks, Chairman of NAEC, Olu Philips urged the Corporation to improve on accountability and information dissemination, describing it as the tool needed for balanced reportage.
“First, we want to thank the GMD, Mele Kyari for the level of transparency and accountability he has infused into NNPC’s operations since his assumption of office. We can now say that during his time, the industry has become more open to information dissemination, and that was recently proven by NEITI’s recent commendation,” he said.
“However, we are not yet there. We need more information from the Corporation. We want a situation when we would be given more access to data and information to work with,” he added.
Responding, Obateru assured that the Association’s message would be delivered to the Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, and that the Corporation would continue to strive for excellence.
