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BY SUNNY A. DAVID
It was jubilation galore at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre Awka Anambra State during the first congress of the new Executives of the State Council as Governor Willie Obiano mesmerised journalists with a brand new 18-seater bus to aid activities of the union.
The surprise package from the Governor resulted in a frenzied atmosphere as celebration apparently interrupted the congress giving journalists ample opportunity to express profound gratitude and appreciation to the Governor for the gift of a new bus describing the Governor as benevolent and media-friendly.
Some of the journalists who spoke with our correspondent on the development but preferred anonymity noted that Anambra State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has eventually resurrected from the dead with the new administration of Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu.
Meanwhile, a press statement on the development signed by the Assistant Secretary of the union Comrade Okechukwu Onuegbu reads, “The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council took delivery of a brand new bus donated to the union by Governor Willie Obiano.
“The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. James Eze presented the 18-seater white colored bus, BAW 2.7i with plate number 01619, to the State Council Chairman, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu.
“The event took place at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia and was witnessed by other executive members of the Union.
“Obiano had on February 13, at a media parley with Executive members of the Union after a tour of the State International Airport and International Convention Centre approved that the bus be presented to the NUJ to facilitate their official duties.
“Eze, while presenting the vehicle, commended the union and all journalists in Anambra State for a good working relationship the media accorded to Obiano’s administration and urged them to sustain the tempo in the administration of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, who is taking over on March 17.
“The Chief Press Secretary also pointed out that the media through their objective reporting contributed to the success stories of the administration and enjoined them to keep on upholding the ethics of the profession in their official duties.”
Responding, the Chairman, NUJ, Anambra State Council, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, commended Governor Obiano for maintaining what he described as a promise fulfilled.
“Odogwu equally extolled the efforts of the CPS, Mr. James Eze, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C-Don Adinuba and others for believing in journalists and working harmoniously with the media throughout the tenure.
“He further assured the Governor and incoming administration of a symbiotic relationship devoid of antagonism, adding that the media would continue to play an advocacy and whatchdog roles with a view to making the society workable.”
