By Solomon OKPO
The League of Veteran Journalists in Akwa Ibom State has commended Governor Umo Eno for the prompt payment of pensions to retired workers, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to the welfare of the elderly.
The commendation was given by the Chairman of the League, Mr. Sunny Antai, during the group’s end-of-year get-together held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Uyo over the weekend.
Mr. Antai also praised the governor for introducing a health insurance scheme for pensioners, noting that the initiative has eased access to healthcare for retired civil servants. He, however, called on the state government to train and deploy more medical doctors to health centres where the health insurance scheme is being implemented, to ensure effective service delivery.
He further drew attention to a printing machine reportedly purchased about 10 years ago but currently lying idle, expressing doubts about its functionality after years of non-use.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the League’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Akanimo Sampson, the veteran journalists urged the state government to make greater use of its own electronic media in publicising government activities rather than relying heavily on television stations outside the state.
“We are of the view that the government should adequately equip and fund the state broadcasting corporation to enable it compete favourably with media organisations outside the state,” the statement read.
The League also commended the leadership of the Akwa Ibom State Council of the NUJ for what it described as a competent handling of its affairs, while recommending that members of the League be engaged to train young journalists across various media platforms in the state.
Chairman of the occasion, Akparawa Micheal Bush, in his remarks, urged youths to show respect for elders at all times, particularly at public events. He applauded the veteran journalists for their unity despite the challenges confronting them and pledged to work with the League and the state government in advancing the development of Akwa Ibom State. He also supported calls for increased attention to the welfare of the elderly.
Delivering the guest lecture, a retired University of Uyo professor, Prof. Des Wilson, charged journalists to adhere strictly to the ethics of the profession. He urged them to be cautious, comprehensive, simple and balanced in their reportage, while ensuring accuracy and completeness at all times.
Prof. Wilson also advised the League to constitute a panel to clearly define the criteria for being recognised as a veteran journalist, particularly with regard to age, suggesting a benchmark of either 60 or 65 years.
The event attracted prominent veterans of the journalism profession and featured notable personalities including Prof. Wilson, Akparawa Micheal Bush, the Chairman of the NUJ, Mr. Nsibiet John, who was represented by his vice, as well as a former NUJ Chairman in the state, Akparawa Ikpong Essien-Udom.
Also in attendance was a former Commissioner for Information and ex-General Manager of NTA Uyo, Mrs. Christy Obot.
