By Isaiah Eka
Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom on Friday donated cars to 11 member Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), A’Ibom State Chapter to further strengthen his ties with the media community in the State.
The governor made the donation while inaugurating an ultra- modern NUJ auditorium complex in Uyo Metropolis.
Eno described the state council of NUJ as a strategic partner and supporter of the State Government’s ddevelopmental trides as propelled by the ARISE Agenda.
He commended the union for partnering the state government in its developmental strides and for using their platforms to promote the state rather than demarketing it as obtainable in some other places.
“You have made your profession not about fighting the Governor or Government, but about your true loyalty to Akwa Ibom for its meaningful development and progress.
“Why? Because this is our brand. This is the only state that we have.
“Government would come, government would go, but Akwa Ibom remains constant. So, I want to thank you and your leadership for the collaborative work that you have done in the State,” Eno said.
Eno appreciated the leadership of NUJ in the state for naming the new auditorium complex after his late wife, Patience Eno.
“It is not something that I expected. It’s a bit emotional, but as I continue to see people immortalise her, it gives us, as a family, comfort that she didn’t live her life in vain. So, I want to thank you so much for this honour,” he said.
The governor assured the in-coming state executive members of the union of the government’s readiness to continue to work in partnership for the development and growth of the state.
Earlier, the outgoing NUJ Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk thanked governor for fulfilling his campaign promise to the union by completing the secretariat project, which had been abandoned for more than 20 years.
He acknowledged the governor’s numerous contributions towards the success of the project even before he assumed office.
Etuk pledged the union’s commitment to supporting the Eno-led administration to ensure the successful implementation of the ARISE Agenda.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniekan Umanah, and the President of NUJ, Comrade Alhasan Yahaya, commended the governor for his exceptional support and partnership with the union.
