May 22, (THEWILL) – The National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Chris Iziguzo, has stated that the Union only takes delight in rewarding excellence and not unmerited personalities in the country.
The union boss stated this during the grand reception in honour of Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Moses Ekpo and the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong, in Uyo, at the weekend.
He said awardees of the union, which is the fourth estate of the realm, are always thoroughly scrutinised and found to be deserving of such awards.
According to Tribune, the Commissioner received commendation and was awarded as the Best Commissioner for Information in the South-South region of the country.
“Comrade Ini Emembong is one of the best Commissioners we have ever produced in the South-South. He is driven by intellect, humility, initiative and ingenuity. He is an outstanding Commissioner,” Isiguzo stated.
He also commended the Akwa Ibom State Council of the NUJ for the event and proposed that it should be an annual gathering. He also appealed that journalists should continue to take their profession seriously as they are the watchdog of the society.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, the Deputy Governor, who is also a journalist, dedicated the award to departed colleagues, the likes of Lateef Jackonde, and all practising journalists in the country and Akwa Ibom State in particular, for bringing honour to the state.
In their goodwill messages, the Vice Chairman of the State Council, Comrade Margaret Moore, acknowledged the remarkable contributions of Comrade Ini Ememobong as inspiring.
“Your amazing role as a friend, ally, and advocate within our union has had a profound impact on our growth and success. Your unwavering support and accessibility have strengthened our bond and fostered an atmosphere of collaboration and unity.
“Your dedication to press freedom, transparency, and accountability has been an inspiration to us all,” she said.
Prince Chris Abasieyo, a former Commissioner of Information, thanked the incumbent for raising the bar of information dissemination in the state.
Also, the Police Public Relations Officer in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Odiko Macdon, said the state has been better projected under the leadership of Comrade Ememobong as information manager.
“We haven’t had it this good before. You can hardly find bad news because he has done so well,” Macdon submitted.
Director of Information, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mrs Blessing Urua, said that Comrade Emembong is diligent and is a marketable product in their fold.
Dignitaries present at the event include the Vice President, NUJ, Zone F (South-South), Comrade Opaka Dokubo; member of the House of Representatives for Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, Hon. Aniekan Umanah; member-elect for Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency, Hon. Ime Okon; member representing Ibiono Ibom State constituency, Obong Godwin Ekpo, friends, associates and well-wishers.
