By Our Correspondent

Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya, on Monday pledged that he would work toward a robust Nigeria Union of Journalists in the years ahead by giving all the support, encouragement and cooperation in the realization of the union’s set goals, saying,“I am aware that the practice of journalism has become more expensive due to new technologies and the advent of social media, which has made information to move at a frightening speed.”

Hon. Monday Igbuya, Delta State House of Assembly Speaker.

In his acceptance speech for the Award of Excellence in Legislative Competence and Exceptional Leadership, Igbuya applauded the practice of journalism in the country especially the high level of professionalism and commitment of journalists to the process of nation building.

The Speaker who received spontaneous cheers from the cream of journalists promised not only to be sensitive to the yearnings and aspirations of Deltans but also proactive on all matters of urgent importance.

He said “I want to appreciate the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council for counting me worthy of this prestigious award. It is truly an honour to receive an award from your highly esteem body, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). I really appreciate this effort of an early positive report card. This benevolence is a great one to me and members of the Delta State House of Assembly”.

Igbuya who expressed delight at the activities of journalists in Nigeria, particularly Delta State, said the role of the media cannot be downplayed by any society,

“It will be noteworthy to appreciate the role of the media in our nascent democracy. Without the media in our society, the public will not be aware of the agenda and programmes of this administration”

The speaker also seized the occasion to commend his colleagues.

“This award belongs to every member of the Delta State House of Assembly. Without members, there can be no speaker. Without the honourable members, I would not be standing here today to receive this award”