"We are elevating media practice in Akwa Ibom" - NUJ Chairman

By Joseph Atainyang

In view of the fact that the administration of Comrade (Elder) Patrick Albert as the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council marks the first year in office this Wednesday, August 2, 2017, the helmsman has reflected on the core gains made so far by his administration, saying he was conscious at elevating
media practice in the state.

Patrick Albert who spoke with select members of the body recently listed some of the major achievements of his first year of the second term, saying his leadership has articulated the relevance of the media to have a collaborative union with all organs of government for the a better informed society.

He noted that his administration which has played host to the Brigade Commander of the newly established Army Brigade in Uyo, the immediate past Commissioner of Police and other groups and individuals as well as
maintained cordial relationships with other organs and agencies of government, which showed that the Akwa Ibom society has realized that NUJ is integral to the development of government and its policies for the general interest of the citizens.

Albert stated that his leadership has facilitated two media parleys with the state Governor, Deacon Udom
Emmanuel, hosted a three day workshop, in collaboration with an online news medium, the Next Edition Newspaper
to refresh intellectual psyche of members towards striving for ethical compliance, and enjoys warm relationship with the state legislature under the leadership of Speaker Onofiok Luke who has not only ensured that NUJ is regularly involved in the process of law making, especially
during public hearing, but by sponsoring journalists to a three-day capacity building workshop in Eket and the
recent one which held in Lagos.

He said, "It is part of our achievements that we have been able to articulate the relevance of the media. You may have noticed that the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly hosted journalists to a workshop in Eket and also sponsored some to a recent workshop in Lagos.

You have seen that the State Assembly has also been consistently inviting us to make presentations and contributions to law making."

The NUJ boss who informed that roofing has been completed on the ongoing two-storey office complex, together with plastering work, assuredly submitted that
he would turn in the building as a commissioned project.

While hoping to remodel the uncompleted one-storey building in the premises, Patrick Albert stressed that his
administration which is driven by passion, zeal and thirst for effective and result oriented leadership would do all within his reach to redeem the image of the profession.

Albert who said paucity of funds has been the major set back against development, gave assurance that NUJ would enjoy budgetary provision by year 2018 when he hopes that journalists would have the opportunity to attend trainings outside the shores of the country.

He added, "The concept of Rebirth has remained that we have to build a union that will stand the test of time.

The Office Complex shall accommodate the Centre for Research, Documentation and Education which would be a historical centre with a museum. This is the biggest
NUJ Secretariat in this country and going by the concept of development, it is so far the best.

I am confident that we will have a budgetary provision in 2018. We want our members to also have the opportunity of receiving training overseas so that we can improve the practice for the overall interest of the
Nigerian society."