The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving workers’ welfare and creating an enabling environment that fosters efficiency and productivity across government agencies.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Kenneth Kalu, disclosed this during a working visit to the Abia Newspapers and Publishing Corporation (ANPC) in Umuahia.
Prof. Kalu, who was accompanied by top government officials, urged the management and staff of the corporation to uphold high standards of professionalism in line with Governor Alex Otti’s vision and ongoing reforms.
He encouraged the workforce to remain diligent and self-motivated, emphasizing the need to carry out their responsibilities with dedication—whether supervised or not. According to him, the corporation plays a critical role as a communication arm of the government and must reflect the values of transparency, accountability, and excellence.
Describing the media outfit as a vital platform for projecting the policies and activities of the state government, Prof. Kalu called for unity and teamwork among the staff to enable the organization achieve greater results. He assured them that the challenges presented would be addressed appropriately.
Earlier in his remarks, the General Manager of ANPC, Hon. Jones Nnanna Ike, expressed gratitude for the SSG’s visit and described it as a morale booster for the entire staff. He highlighted the strategic importance of the corporation in preserving the historical and developmental records of the state.
“The newspaper house is not only for public information dissemination, but it also serves as the official record-keeper of government activities, offering future researchers valuable documentation,” he said.
Hon. Ike recounted the poor state of the corporation prior to the advent of the current administration, noting that there was a total breakdown in operations and infrastructure. He commended Governor Alex Otti for prioritizing the revival of the public sector, with ANPC being one of the early beneficiaries through the Ministry of Lands and Housing.
While appreciating the support already received, Hon. Ike appealed for further assistance, particularly in the establishment of an in-house printing press. “What is a publishing house without its own printing press? We need this to operate optimally and meet growing demands,” he stated.
He also pointed out the inadequacies in equipment and technology, noting that the computer systems supplied to the corporation were not built to handle its workload and had since broken down. He cited the lack of essential tools such as cameras, printers, and other equipment as key operational setbacks.
The GM further stressed the need for skilled editorial staff to be injected into the system to improve content quality and boost productivity.
On a positive note, he praised the state government for its consistent and timely payment of salaries, noting that it has greatly enhanced staff discipline, reduced absenteeism, and increased overall commitment to duty.
“We assure you that our staff are motivated and committed. They come to work and do the job they are paid for. Timely salary payments have truly made a difference,” he concluded.
In a vote of thanks, the Head of Administration in the Corporation, Mr. Dandy Nwachukwu, appreciated the SSG for the visit and reaffirmed the corporation’s unwavering support for the present administration.
The visit featured an interactive session during which staff engaged the delegation on various issues.
The SSG was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Godwin Okezue; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Due Process, Dr. Oluebube Chukwu; and other senior government officials.
