The Permanent Secretary, Government House, Umuahia, Mr Precious Uma Okoro, has urged journalists in Abia State to give Governor Alex Otti’s administration greater publicity, noting that the governor’s performance deserves a second term in office.
Mr Okoro made the call on Wednesday when he visited members of the Government House Press as part of his familiarisation visits to departments and units in Government House, Umuahia.
The Permanent Secretary charged journalists to ensure that the achievements of the Otti led administration were adequately documented and communicated to the public.
He said the Governor has embarked on several developmental initiatives in the last three years, adding that the media had a responsibility to make the achievements known beyond the state.
“Please, this is the time to give our Governor the support he deserves. He has been doing a lot of things and many of us are witnesses to his achievements.
“Let the world know that he is doing a good job and deserves a second term”, Mr Okoro stated.
He commended the Government House Press Team for its coverage of government activities across print and online platforms, urging them to sustain their professionalism and ensure adequate publicity for government policies, programmes and projects.
The Permanent Secretary, also promised to maintain regular interactions with the journalists and urged them to bring their challenges to his attention for prompt consideration, assuring of his readiness to provide the necessary support within his capacity.
On the accommodation concerns raised by members of the Press, Mr Okoro acknowledged the need for improved facilities, explaining that the ongoing renovation and transformation of Government House were intended to give the complex a befitting outlook.
“His Excellency wants to make Government House look like a proper Government House. That is why some structures are being pulled down and new ones are being built.
“I know that the gentlemen of the press deserve accommodation because they are our image makers. Please bear with us. By God’s grace, this issue will be addressed”, he assured.
Earlier, the Head of Information and Press, Government House, Comrade Divine Nwankwo, thanked the Permanent Secretary for visiting the department, describing the engagement as an opportunity for members to interact with him and discuss issues affecting their work.
Mr Nwankwo explained that the department comprised four units including, Reportorial, Photo, Video and Public Enlightenment, which are responsible for publicising the activities, policies and programmes of the governor and Government House.
He said the department was also committed to projecting the government positively through effective information management and publicity.
Mr Nwankwo expressed confidence that sustained communication of the administration’s achievements would contribute significantly to securing Governor Otti’s re-election in 2027.
He assured the Permanent Secretary of the department’s cooperation and commitment to supporting his responsibilities through effective communication and publicity.
In her vote of thanks, the News Central Television correspondent, Mrs Chinwe Ugele, expressed optimism that the visit of the Permanent Secretary would help address some of the challenges confronting the Government House Press.
Mrs Ugele noted that the presence of a Permanent Secretary would facilitate the resolution of administrative issues before they escalated, particularly as journalists were often among the first to receive information about developments within government.
She assured him of the press team’s cooperation and willingness to work with him towards the smooth running of Government House.
The visit ended with prayers for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength, protection and sound judgement for the Permanent Secretary in the discharge of his responsibilities.
Some management staff, including the Head of Administration, Mrs Favour Udensi and Head of ICT Unit, Pastor Sam Ekekwe accompanied the Permanent Secretary during the visit.
