By Austin Ogwuda
THERE were wild jubilations, weekend, following the news of the appointment of the immediate past Chairman of the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Comrade Michael Ikeogwu as Senior Special Adviser, SSA Media to the Delta State Governor.
The coming on board of Ikeogwu was hailed by many Journalists and celebrated with pomp and pageantry at the NUJ Press Centre on Marian Babangida Road in Asaba, Delta State capital.
Former Vice Chairman of the Delta State Council of NUJ and Bureau Chief of The Leadership Newspaper, Comrade Felix Igbekoyi, the Chairman of the State Information Chapel of the Union, Kenneth Obieh amongst others expressed confidence that his appointment would strengthen the State’s publicity framework, benefiting both the NUJ and the State.
“His loyalty, hard work, and generosity make him a perfect fit for this role”, they stated.
Ikeogwu, a Deputy General Manager at the Delta State owned newspaper – The Pointer previously served as National Ex-Officio of the NUJ and chaired the Credentials Committee that oversaw the election of the Union’s current National Executive led by Comrade Alhassan Yahaya.
His colleagues described him as a consummate journalist and a distinguished union leader, whose appointment is a testament to his exceptional leadership, dedication to public service, and commitment to national development.
Responding, Ikeogwu expressed gratitude for the appointment and pledged unwavering commitment to Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, which focuses on meaningful development for all Deltans, poverty alleviation, improved education access, and infrastructure development.
“I understand the Governor’s vision for Delta and will work diligently with other appointees to achieve the administration’s goals. I will bring my extensive experience to bear, ensuring honesty, sincerity, and professionalism in all aspects of my work”, he stated.
Also among the Media team of the governor is Comrade Norbert Chiazor, who was another former NUJ State Chairman in the State, celebrated by many too.
Chiazor, during former governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan’s administration broke the jinx by ensuring that Journalists were trained at Reuters in London, United Kingdom courtesy of Uduaghan’s administration.
That record has remained unparalleled and yet to be broken.
Chiazor packaged the proposal which ex governor Uduaghan bought into and executed under Barrister Chike Ogeah who was then the Commissioner for Information.
The Idumuje-Uno born Journalist, Chiazor believes that Media practitioners should not be going cap in hand begging Government for ridiculous handouts but partnering through provision of educational programmes like the one mentioned above and other dignified empowerment outreaches than collecting miserable stipends as PR.
