Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has assured that his administration will boost the operation of the state owned National Ambassador Newspaper for greater productivity.
This is even as he pledged to accelerate the digitalization process of the state owned broadcast outfit,BCA.
Ikpeazu who made this known when he received the Executive of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ),Abia state Council led by its Chairman, John Emejor,further assured of commitment, support and enhanced relationship between the NUJ and the state government.
Describing the National Ambassador as a vocal mouthpiece of the state government, Governor Ikpeazu regretted that the media outfit “became a child of unfortunate circumstance”, saying that his administration is ”determined to right the wrongs in the establishment. He added that “something will certainly be done to make sure the newspaper outfit is rescued”.
He directed the commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu to prepare a memo on National Ambassador to fast track its rescue agenda,expressing hope that the state government media outfit will live up to its responsibility of educating the populace as well as project activities of the present government.
While noting that the socioeconomic growth of the state lies solely on the Press,Ikpeazu who described journalists as the catalyst of economic development charged them to continue to publicise the achievements of his administration.
He expressed his commitment in ensuring that the Abia NUJ secretariat is completed in record time.
Governor Ikpeazu who pledged to restore regular media briefing with Abia Journalists expressed hope that the briefings would enable the media to showcase the achievements and policy thrust of his administration.
Earlier, the Chairman of
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia Council, Comrade John Emejor appealed to the Governor to boost the operations of the National Ambassador newspaper as well as fund its operation to produce at least three times in a week.
Comrade Emejor who also appealed to Governor Ikpeazu to assist the BCA accelerate its digitalization process,pleaded with the Governor for assistance in the completion of the Council’s permanent Secretariat highlighting its importance to journalists in Abia State.
He commended the dynamism with which Governor Ikpeazu is growing the economy of the State as well appreciated the efforts of the Governor in areas such as education, agriculture, infrastructure,Small and Medium Emterprises and the proposed Enyimba Economic City assuring that journalists in the state would continue to publicise policies and activities of the government.
Comrade Emejor further thanked the Governor for his assistance in hosting the NUJ National Executive Council meeting in Abia State.
Governor Ikpeazu who later inspected the NUJ permanent Secretariat, vowed that construction will be completed on the site before the end of the year.