By Kingsley Agim
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council has expressed gratitude to governor Ben Ayade for the recent elevation of four of her members to the enviable position of Permanent Secretary.
Speaking at the reception in honour of the newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries, held at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar, the State Council Chairman, Comrade Nsa Gill stated that the noble journalism profession in Cross River, particularly under the Ayade-led administration, has been very lucky to have her members risen to the pinnacle of technocrats in the State.
Recounting, the NUJ leader noted that governor Ayade’s magnanimity (promotion of journalists to permanent secretaries) to the Union began with the appointments of Mrs. Mary Akpet, and later Dr. Aye Henshaw and Sir Denis Utang, highlighting further that the twilight of the present administration has brought even greater attention to the pen profession through wappointment of a journalist, first of its kind, as Head of Service of the State and presently another unprecedented number of four as Permanent Secretaries.
Congratulating the newly inaugurated technocrats on their deserved elevation, the Chairman prayed for rewarding experiences and impactful contributions in their new positions.
In his remarks, one of the brand new Permanent Secretaries, Mr. Emmanuel Akpong thanked God for the privilege of being elevated to the echelons of the Service in the State.
Mr. Akpong, who until his elevation, was the General Manager of the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, prayed for the recognition of hard work and merit of every civil servant who is contributing to the betterment of the Service and State at large.
Another recipient of the promotion, Mr. Sam Egbala, expressed gratitude to God for his elevation, dedicating it to the journalism profession, which, according to him, has remained the tipping point of his service to the State and Nation.
“I feel really good to know that God has rewarded me today for my hard work. These appointments are also a clear picture that there is still room for merit, hard work and hope for the journalism profession and practitioners, especially those in the civil service of the State.
Journalism is a cross-cutting discipline that empowers practitioners to know almost everything. It is very fitting for the governor to elevate me and my colleagues in recognition of our contributions to the State,” Egbala added.
Mr. Egbala, a former Editor-in-Chief of the State-owned Nigerian Chronicle Newspaper, assured that himself and journalists colleagues would make meaningful contributions that will have direct bearing on NUJ, especially members in the Service and the overall the betterment of the State.
Mr. Emmanuel Akpong, Mr. Sam Egbala, Mrs Eme Affiah and Mr. Ben Tawo Olom are the four journalists among the 44 Permanent Secretaries inaugurated by Governor Ayade, yesterday, in Calabar.
