September 29, (THEWILL) — The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has commended the N1.6 million sponsorship package offered to 8 young broadcasters in the state, describing it as “an investment in the future rather than political patronage”.
The initiative, driven by Dr Essien Ndueso, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Research and Documentation, provides N200,000 each for the beneficiaries to undertake a six-week professional training at the National Broadcast Academy (NBA), Lagos.
Presenting the cheques at the Government House Press Centre, Uyo, Dr Ndueso said the gesture aligns with Governor Eno’s human capacity development vision through projects such as the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre and the Ibom Leadership Entrepreneurial Development Centre.
He added that the upcoming ultra-modern digital broadcast station for AKBC would require skilled professionals to meet evolving industry trends.
Comrade John, who led the NUJ to the event, said the sponsorship represented a refreshing departure from tokenism and underscored the importance of grooming competent media professionals.
The Chancellor of the Conference of Online Publishers Association (COOPA), Comrade Utitofon Morgan, also hailed the intervention as a strategic step to strengthen Akwa Ibom’s image through quality storytelling.
Other aides to Governor Eno — Mr Solomon Eyo, Dr Imoh Etim Udoh, and Mr Emmanuel Akpabio — further supported the initiative with N100,000 each for the trainees.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Florence Essien expressed gratitude and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them.
