Journalists in the State has been called upon to recognize their critical roles in the State by ensuring balanced reportage and as information managers, to always stand by the truth. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who made the call at the grand finale of the 2019 Press Week of the Abia State Chapter of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists tagged: “Challenges of Social Media to Mainstream Media in Journalism practice in Nigeria,” charged them be guided by objectivity, professionalism and patriotism in the discharge of their functions.
Represented by the Chief Press Secretary, Barr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, Dr. Ikpeazu observed that freedom of the Press in the state remains cardinal and nonnegotiable and declared his willingness to partner with the State council of the NUJ.
On his part, the Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu stated that Abia State provides a favorable environment for journalist to thrive and advised them not to neglect the ethics of the profession in the discharge of their various duties.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Honorable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sir G. C. Onyendilefu congratulated the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the Correspondents Chapel for coming together as one and being a part and parcel of the Abia State Government, noting that they have a greater task ahead. He observed that despite the risks and hazards in their profession, journalists perform their tasks and urged them not to relent but always stand by the truth in the discharge of their duties. Sir Onyendilefu further called for a more cordial relationship between the Union and the State Government.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman Correspondents Chapel of the Abia NUJ, Comrade Sam Obinna Ibe stated that journalists use this event as a period set aside to evaluate their performances within the year disclosing that the Union had gone a step further by shortlisting names of distinguished Abians who have been role models in their various fields.
The event witnessed the conferment of awards to distinguished Abians including Senator T. A. Orji, the Senator representing Abia Central constituency, the Hon. Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Aham Uko; Transition Committee Chairman Aba South, Dr. NCNC Okoli and the Core Investor, Golden Guinea Breweries plc, Chief Okechukwu Bernard Nzenwa.
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