The Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah, has called on journalists in the state to actively promote the ideals of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE agenda, describing the administration as people-oriented and inclusive.
Prince Uwah gave the charge on Monday when the State Working Committee (SWC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Uyo.
The SSG commended Governor Eno’s style of leadership, stressing that the ARISE agenda encapsulates the needs of all segments of the society.
“We have a Governor who is humane, humble, and who listens. His ARISE agenda is all-inclusive, capturing the needs of every divide in the state,” Uwah said. “This administration is working hard to meet the needs of the people, and therefore needs your support to realise its blueprint. The Governor is not against criticism, but it has to be constructive so that it doesn’t sound like abuse.”
Prince Uwah also applauded the Nsibiet John-led NUJ for its early strides, including the provision of internet facilities at the NUJ Press Centre, which he described as critical to fact-checking and enhancing professionalism.
He assured the journalists of continuous partnership and support from the state government, adding that Governor Eno values the contributions of the media in democratic governance.
Earlier, Comrade Nsibiet John expressed appreciation to the SSG for his consistent support to the Union and reaffirmed the NUJ’s commitment to partnering with the state government to achieve its development blueprint.
He also appealed for government backing for NUJ programmes aimed at improving professionalism and members’ welfare.
The visit had in attendance members of the SWC, including Comrade Margaret Moore (Vice Chairman), Comrade Nsikak Esenowo (Secretary), Comrade Udeme Hosea (Treasurer), Comrade Kufre Emmanuel (Financial Secretary), Comrade Uduak Akai (Assistant Secretary), and Comrade Dianime Uko (Auditor). Others were Comrade Emmanuel Akpan, Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), and Comrade Nsikak Okon, Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Akwa Ibom State Chapter.
Also present was the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, now Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media, among others.
