A WELCOME ADDRESS PRESENTED BY COMRADE ROSELINE ETUKUDO, THE CHAIRMAN, LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION CHAPEL, NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS, AKWA IBOM STATE COUNCIL AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF HER MAIDEN CHAPEL PRESS WEEK
PROTOCOL
Glory to God for this day. He has made all things beautiful in His time. It is indeed a privilege to be part of this uncommon moment as a Local Government Information Officer.
An idea conceived, inscripted and approved in 2006 Approved Scheme of Service for Local Government Employees in Nigeria, Fourth Revised Edition, was made manifest ten years ago in Akwa Ibom State Local Government Service.The year 2011 brought into existence a special Cadre of Staff employed by Local Government Service Commission called Information Officers. Standing here as one of these privileged pioneers, I welcome our esteemed employer, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Local Government Service Commission, Rt. Hon. Monday Eyo, his team of Commissioners, the Chairman of today’s occasion and our respected guests to the maiden Press Week organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Local Government Information Chapel, Akwa Ibom State Council. Thank you for finding time out of your busy schedules to join us today at this event.
Yesterday, 14th March, 2021, at St Hilary Catholic Church, Ekit Itam, Itu Local Government Area, I led members of the Chapel and our guests to a Thanksgiving Mass to mark the commencement of the Press Week . It is the belief of members that God has been the rock on which we stood for seven good years since the creation of this Chapel. Special thanks to Rt. Hon. Etetim Onuk, the Executive chairman, Itu Local Government who hosted us after the Church Service.
The choice of the theme ” Strengthening the Capacity of Information Officers for Strategic Partnership in Local Government Administration” soon to be handled by a seasoned scholar is a calculated attempt by this Chapel to chart a new road map in information management within the third tier of government in Akwa Ibom State. It is our belief that at the end of this lecture, the resource person would have recreated a progressive mindset that will promote the collaboration between information purveyors and the administrators at the Local Government level. The team of carefully selected discussants will be handy to do justice to the theme of the Press Week.
Tuesday, the 15th day of March, 2021, will feature a unique moment: the unveiling and presentation of a master piece christened “News31”, a newspaper published by this Chapel. Let me use this opportunity to specially invite you to join us at the prestigious NULGE Secretariat tomorrow as we make history together.
The Chapel will wrap up activities for this year’s Press Week , with a visit to the General Hospital, Iquita, Oron Local Government Area, where we intend to meet with expectant mothers and thereafter visit Oron museum and beach for refreshment.
Having come this far, distinguished guests and colleagues, permit me at this point to highlight some appreciable achievements recorded by this unique Chapel. Since we came on board in 2016, we have remained consistent in our determination to discharge our duties effectively.
We are indebted to the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, for giving us the platform through which we avail ourselves to seminars, symposia and trainings. This exposure has broadened our workability for optimal performances in the discharge of our duties and also improves productivity
At a time the world was ravaged with the Covid-19 pandemic, the Chapel organized a sensitization campaign around the 31 Local Government areas. This was the chapel’s little effort to support the government in enlightening rural dwellers on the dangers and prevention of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Distinguished guests, to compliment the welfare policy of the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, this administration has in place a contributory welfare scheme to cater for member’s welfare. So far, more than three hundred thousand naira only has been disbursed to seventeen benefiting members.
Another laudable imprint of this Administration worth mentioning today is our brainchild “News31” which is few hours away from its birth.
As we hope for the best in years to come, let me use this opportunity to appeal to Information Officers that are yet to registered in The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to do so. It is not enough to be just an Information Officer, Give your carrier a professional colouration by joining this noble profession.
Mr Chairman, distinguished guests , colleagues, ladies and gentlemen , I thank you all on behalf this great Chapel for your esteemed presence in this historic event.
This show of solidarity is overwhelmingly appreciated.
It’s our collective prayer that God will lead you safely back to your destinations . We sincerely hope you will enjoy and cherish the time.
Thank you and God bless you.
