Ozegbe Pledges Digital Transformation as He Emerges BIPA Chairman
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA – The newly elected Chairman of the Bayelsa Indigenous Publishers Association (BIPA), Mr. Ebi Andy Ozegbe, has pledged to reposition the association through digital transformation, improved members’ welfare and stronger professional engagement to restore its relevance in Bayelsa State’s media industry.
Ozegbe, publisher of The Light Newspaper, made the pledge after emerging chairman at an election held at the conference room of Niger Delta Herald Newspaper in Ekeki, Yenagoa, following the expiration of the tenure of the Dr. Francis Dufugha-led executive.
Speaking after his inauguration, Ozegbe said his administration would work to reverse what he described as the association’s present state of decline and reposition it to meet the demands of an increasingly digital media environment.
“We can no longer afford to remain on the sidelines of the rapidly evolving media landscape. Our newspapers must embrace digital platforms, strengthen their online presence and adopt modern publishing practices to remain competitive and relevant,” he said.
The new chairman, who had previously served in the same capacity, expressed appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in him, assuring them that his administration would pursue practical initiatives to advance the interests of indigenous publishers in the state.
He said his leadership would encourage member-publishers to maximise the opportunities offered by online journalism and social media to expand their readership, improve visibility and reach wider audiences beyond the traditional newspaper market.
Ozegbe also pledged to prioritise members’ welfare, protect their professional interests and work towards securing greater recognition for indigenous publishers in the affairs of Bayelsa State.
According to him, BIPA must go beyond representing the interests of its members by contributing meaningfully to societal development through responsible journalism, professional collaboration and constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders.
He expressed confidence that his experience and previous leadership of the association would help drive the transformation agenda, adding that building a stronger and more respected organisation would require the collective commitment of members.
Ozegbe therefore called on publishers to unite behind the new executive, stressing that cooperation and a shared sense of purpose would be critical to the success of his administration.
Earlier, the immediate past chairman, Dr. Francis Dufugha, publisher of Niger Delta Herald Newspaper, thanked members for their support and cooperation throughout his tenure.
Dufugha congratulated the newly elected executive and wished the officers a successful tenure, urging members to sustain the spirit of unity and collaboration needed to strengthen the association.
Other officers elected alongside Ozegbe are Mr. Ereku Bomolagbon of The Atlantic Express Newspaper as Vice Chairman; Mr. Sheriff Hussain of Dialogue Newspaper as Secretary; Mr. Tamadu Eze of National Concept Newspaper as Treasurer; and Mr. Victor Christopher of Niger Delta Society Magazine as Publicity Secretary.
BIPA is the umbrella body of indigenous newspaper publishers in Bayelsa State, representing their collective professional interests and providing a platform for collaboration within the state’s media industry.
