The governor of Abia state has expressed delight in the cordial relationship currently existing between his administration and the press in the state.The governor described the press in Abia as veritable partners in his vision and work to advance all sectors in the state for the benefit of all.
The state chief executive went further to pledge his commitment to take specific and deliberate steps to sustain the cordial relationship his government enjoys presently with the media.
The governor made these remarks at the conclusion of the 2023 Press Week of the Correspondents Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abia State council held at the Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Centre with the theme “The 2023 Elections: A Post – Mortem, Media Perspectives In Rebuilding Public Confidence In Future Elections.
Governor Alex Otti who was the Special guest of honour at the occasion and represented by the commissioner for Information and culture Prince Okey Kanu urged the press not to shy away from being the watch dog of society in their role as the fourth estate of the realm.
Chairman correspondence chapel of the Abia state council of NUJ Sam Obinna in his speech commended the governor Dr. Alex Otti for the giant strides recorded so far by his administration barely six months of being in the saddle as the fifth executive governor of the state.
The correspondents chapel chairman added ‘it is no exaggeration to state that help is indeed here in all facets of the state economy. Things are looking up under Dr. Alex Chioma Otti Labour party led government.
We want to thank you for the good relationship existing between your government and the correspondence chapel of Abia NUJ and this wouldn’t have been possible without the combined efforts of the three distinguished media practitioners namely the honourable commissioner for Information and culture Prince Okechukwu Stanly Kanu, the special adviser to the governor on media and publicity Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma and the chief press secretary to the governor Mr. Kazie Uko.
The keynote speaker for the event Prof Ogbonna Onuoha, deputy vice chancellor Abia state university focused his lecture on the critical role the press played during the 2023 election and the risks press men were exposed to during the elections with little or no protection. He counselled press men to remain steadfast and dogged in discharging their duties.
Chairman of the occasion and member representing Umuahia North, Umuahia South and Ikwuano federal constituency RT. Hon. Chief Obi Aguocha praised the correspondents chapel of the NUJ for being responsive to the yearnings of the people for good governance.
The house member pledged his support for the government of Dr. Alex Otti and commended his giant strides to fast track development in the state insisting that visible signs of change are clear for all to see.
The high point of the press week was the award to distinguished Nigerians and organisations after rigorous screening of a shortlist. The first on the list of awardees is the governor of Bauchi state Bala Mohammed, Connak foundation and the general overseer of Omega Power Ministry, OPM Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere.
These individuals and organisation received these awards for their outstanding accomplishment in society.
By- Elvis Chukwuemeka