Governor Udom Emmanuel has been celebrated by journalists in Akwa Ibom for his outstanding industrial drive which has led to several new industries in the state.
The award exercise/Gala night, the climax of a weeklong of activities by correspondents and representatives of various print and electronic media in the state under the aegis of Correspondents Chapel of Nigerian Union of Journalists, took place at Watbridge Hotels and Suites, Uyo.
In his remark, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Essien Ndueso, who received the award on behalf of the governor, said the state has witnessed peace and rapid progress based on the active support of journalists, largely members of the correspondents’ chapel.
He expressed the regrets of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh, who was meant to stand in for the Governor, but had to delegate it due to urgent pressing official assignments.
He expressed the gratitude of the Governor to the Journalists for the role they played in promoting objectivity in their reportage during the last elections which led to the state retaining its peaceful status throughout the elections, in the face of war cries and provocative utterances by certain persons.
The Governor’s aide noted that, “the accuracy of unanimous reports of the developments and peace by the Correspondents of national media, effectively countered the sponsored negative reports that were planted to mark Akwa Ibom as a danger and war zone during the elections”.
He noted that journalists are very close to the Governor’s heart, which is why one of his first projects in the state was the construction of the information drive that leads to their state secretariat and other media houses.
He reasoned that the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State is a member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, and so are over five permanent secretaries, the highest number since creation of the state in 1987.
“Governor Udom Emmanuel does not mince words when he says that Journalists are very dear to his heart.
He thanked the correspondents for painstakingly touring the state to see the industries, thereby confirming that Governor Emmanuel’s achievements are not only seen on the drawing boards.
He charged them to maintain peace and continue to uphold the ethics of the profession in the course of their practice, as strategic partners in the development of the state.
The chairman of the Chapel, Mrs Idongesit Ashemeri, said they took time within the week, among other activities to visit various projects sites and industries brought about by the administration of Mr Emmanuel, and were impressed by what they saw in ground.
She also announced the launching of a new social media platform for easy access to news by the various correspondents in the state.
Other successful Akwa Ibom people who have distinguished themselves in their various fields, were also honoured at the occasion.
