25/01/2024
NUJ Thanksgiving: Journalists Receive Commendation, Appreciate God's Faithfulness
By Imaobong Ekarika
Journalists in Akwa Ibom State, have been applauded for maintaining ethical standard in their practice, as they turned out in their numbers in a thanksgiving, to appreciate God's faithfulness.
Making the Commendation during the New Year Thanksgiving Service of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, held at Qua Iboe Church, Ikot Ibiok, in Eket Local Government Area, Sunday, Governor Umo Eno, also called on the journalists to keep up the tempo of professionalism for which they have been identified with, in order to build a peaceful state.
Represented by the deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi at the event, which was officiated by the General Superintendent and Chairman of Conference of Qua Iboe Church, Rev. Ekpedeme Efanga, Governor Eno, commended the Media community under NUJ, for continuous adherance to the ethics of their profession through objective, fair and fact-finding reportage.
He acknowledged the supportive role played by the media right from his campaign days and election, up to the launch of the ARISE Agenda and it's propagation, stating that he was a friend of the media.
Observing the standardize practice of the pen-pushers, the Governor noted that it has necessited their inclusion in government programmes and governance, as demonstrated in attendance in enlarged Exco meetings and other activities, adding that there was understanding between the media and government despite their divergent method of operations in serving the interest of the people.
Lauding the Union and its leadership for beginning the year with God, Governor Eno appreciated Que Iboe Church for also demonstrating the spirit of inclusion in sharing Communion, their doctrine notwithstanding.
He assured that with the right step taken, 2024 would deliver all round success.
Thanking God for keeping the journalists safe throughout 2023, the Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong, maintained that members of the Fourth Estate, have always proven to be a responsible press in breaking news that have not broken the society.
This attribute as noted by the Commissioner, has engendered good working relationship with the government as indicated in government's presence at media functions in the last ten years, urging same understanding to continue.
In his remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, described the Thanksgiving Service initiated 11 years ago by his predecessor, Elder Patrick Albert, as a spiritual rebirth for the Union members, dedicated to appreciating God and seeking his mercies and guidance in a new year.
Disclosing the Union's plan to develop her infrastructure in 2024, Comrade Etuk announced that NUJ in the state would kick start a school; Fourth Estate International School in September, expressing hope to make exploits in the new year.
He pledged the Union's unflinching support to the Governor's administration and the ARISE Agenda.
On his part, the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, who was accompanied by his wife, gave NUJ a pass mark in its programmes and leadership under Amos Etuk, stressing that thanksgiving should be made a daily affairs.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and chief host at the event, Hon. Frank Archibong, expressed delight with the NUJ's choice of his local church for the thanksgiving.
He commended the support of the media to Governor Eno, and appealed that he should be supported more to succeed like his predecessors.
In a homily delivered on the theme of the Thanksgiving, "Great is thy Faithfulness" , drawn from Psalms 4:5, the officiating Minister, Rev. Ekpedeme Efanga, outlined reasons Christians should thank God to include, His love, healing, forgiveness, mercies, redemption and satisfaction among others.
The event, which had dignitaries from all walks of life, featured goodwill messages delivered by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Chairman, Comrade Sunny James and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Chairman, Mr. Iniobong Robson, among others.