As the training of the National Broadcast Academy (NBA), Lagos, begins today, Monday, September 29, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Ndueso Essien, has charged the eight broadcast beneficiaries from the state to be diligent and committed throughout the six-week learning period.
Essien, who handed down the charge at Government House Press Centre, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Sunday while presenting ₦1.6 million training grant to the beneficiaries, urged them to maximize the opportunity as they were expected to give back to the state through excellence in their chosen career paths.
The beneficiaries include: Imaobong Akpantuen, Treasure Esop, Florence Essien, Utibe Johan, Ukpono Matthew, Mary Augustine Etim, Ubong Inyang, and Anthony Daniel, and they received a grant of ₦200,000 each.
Essien revealed that the training was his proactive attempt to equip young media practitioners in Akwa Ibom with requisite skills for the opportunities the governor is creating in the media industry in the state. He added, “The Governor is to commence the construction of an ultra-modern digital Broadcast Station for the State-owned AKBC, and that place will need professionals in sync with the evolving trends in the industry.”
He noted that the gesture was not borne out of excess wealth but his desire to encourage media excellence and promote Governor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda, especially in human capacity enhancement through the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Center (DASAC) and the Ibom Leadership Entrepreneurial Development Centre.
Speaking, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, lauded Dr. Ndueso for his commitment to youth empowerment and urged the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously, build meaningful networks, and avoid seeing the grant as political patronage but a call to contribute meaningfully to society.
His words, “I am happy that there are some journalists who have been included in the training. My leadership is committed to promoting re-trainings for journalists in Akwa Ibom State.”
On his part, Chancellor, Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom (COOPA), Utitofon Morgan, applauded the initiative, describing it as a forward-thinking intervention that will not only equip young media practitioners but also strengthen the state’s image through professional storytelling.
Meanwhile, other dignitaries at the event, including Mr. Solomon Eyo, Special Assistant to the Governor on Multimedia and Web Management; Dr. Imoh Etim Udoh, Personal Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation; and Mr. Emma Akpabio, Personal Assistant on Media, announced personal cash donations of ₦100,000 each to further encourage the beneficiaries, in addition to the ₦1.6 million grant.
One of the recipients, Florence Essien, who spoke on behalf of her colleagues, expressed gratitude to Dr. Ndueso and pledged that the beneficiaries would represent Akwa Ibom State with distinction at the academy and beyond.
