Colonel Milland Dikio (rtd), former Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), delivered a goodwill message at the 4th Annual Public Lecture organized by First News, held in Port Harcourt over the weekend.
Themed “Building the Niger Delta of Our Dream: With or Without Oil,” the event brought together leaders, stakeholders, and experts to discuss the future of the Niger Delta.
During his address, Colonel Dikio commended First News for its accomplishments in the media space but urged the organization to continue striving for greater heights.
“My message to First News is that you have done well, but remember that there is a place called better,” he said, emphasizing the need for constant improvement.
Drawing from his experience in leadership, Dikio shared his “theory of the great,” which he developed during his time at the Amnesty Programme. The theory encourages individuals and institutions to dominate their environment by fully utilizing their resources and potential.
“First News is in the media space, and my wish is that it becomes the online news of choice. And building on that, it becomes the best news outlet possible,” he stated.
Reflecting on a previous discussion with Professor Pat Utomi earlier in the event, Dikio reiterated that Nigeria does not lack intellectual capacity but often fails to apply it effectively.
He urged First News to be a leader in this regard, using its platform to contribute meaningfully to societal progress.
Colonel Dikio ended his message with a vision for First News, projecting that in the next decade, it would become the “media of choice” across the country.
His charge to the media outlet was received with applause as it encapsulated the overarching theme of the event – that of building a brighter, more sustainable Niger Delta and by extension, a better Nigeria.
The annual lecture provided a platform for critical dialogue on the challenges and opportunities in the Niger Delta region, with contributions from various thought leaders.
Colonel Dikio’s message added a strategic dimension, highlighting the role of media in shaping public discourse and driving positive change.