The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council has
inaugurated Committee to mark Workers Day and World Press Freedom Day
coming up respectively on 1st May 2017 and 3rd May 2017.
The
5-Man Committee which was inaugurated today in the presence of the State
Executive Council of the Union witnessed Comrade Kufre Okon appointed
to serve as Chairman.
Other
members of the Committee are Comrade Uko Sam- Secretary, Comrade Udeme
Hosea, Comrade Edifon Abasiobot and Comrade Clement Barikui.
In
his remark, the Chairman of NUJ, Elder Patrick Albert stated that there
was need for the Committee to be set so as to celebrate workers and
reappraise the activities of journalists as it relates to their freedom
to practice.
He said the Committee will ensure the Union
participates richly on workers day celebration, and ensure the
commemoration of World Press Freedom Day is worthwhile.
He added
"The journalists is a global citizen. His reasoning must work in line
with worldwide expectations. And for them to express their views in line
with these expectations, they must have enabling environment to
operate.
" Of course Journalists must be free to be able to work
in helping sustain our democracy and make government accountable to the
people. We have had cases of abuse and molestation, cases were
journalists are kept in detention without trial."
This Chairman
told the committee to attract knowledgeable personalities from the
media, academia and economic world so as to help examine how the
Society's Watchdogs are fairing, and how the profession is moving in
line with United Nations Standard.
He mentioned that the World
Press Freedom day will give opportunity for Journalists to have in-house
preview to see if gentlemen of the profession are practicing within the
guidelines of the do (s) and don't of the practice.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Committee, Comrade Kufre Okon
thanked the NUJ Chairman and the State Executive Council for the confidence reposed on him to chair the committee.
thanked the NUJ Chairman and the State Executive Council for the confidence reposed on him to chair the committee.
He said he was excited much as he felt challenged to ensure the events
come out successful. He pointed out that with the quality of persons who
make up the committee, coupled with the support he experts from the
union, he was poised on giving the Union his best, thus help members
benefit from the events.
Meanwhile, the 2017 World Press Freedom
Day will have as its theme: Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media’s
role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies.
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