The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson has charged members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) to sensitise ‎Bayelsans on the newly launched ‘ContrimanDirect’.

The ContrimanDirect, which was officially unveiled last Wednesday by Governor Seriake Dickson, gives people of the state direct access to the Governor via telephone and social media channels.

The Commissioner gave the charge in his office on Thursday when he received in audience the leadership and some members of the state chapter of NAWOJ.

He told the female journalists that it was through them and other groups who share similar ideals that the programmes and policies of the government would reach the grassroots, and therefore they must lead the way to propagate the importance of the new initiative.

Iworiso-Markson explained that what the Governor had done with the rolling out of the ContrimanDirect is to bring the people closer to him and make governance more attractable.

While urging them to take pride in their profession by projecting themselves ‎as watchdogs of the society, he assured them that everything would be done to improve on their welfare.

According to him, Dickson was very passionate about the media which explained why he has continued to engage members of the fourth estate to tell the restoration story and help change the negative narrative of Bayelsa State.

The Commissioner decried the level of misinformation in the state, which mostly emanates from social media, and tasked NAWOJ to redouble their efforts to enlightening the people.

“As a government we know the importance of the media and Governor Dickson appreciates your contribution in the development of our state, but we urge you to do more. ‎There is so much that this government is doing and it is only stakeholders like you that can tell our people the progress.”

In her remarks, the Chairperson of NAWOJ, Maria Olodi-Osummah thanked the Commissioner for the warm reception and congratulated him on his appointment, which she described as a welcome development.

She solicited the cooperation of the Commissioner to enable the association stepped up its advocacy of ‎protecting women and children who are mostly vulnerable, and also correct the stereotype perspective people have about the state.