Akwa Ibom Governor, Corporate Organisations, Others Excited Over Editors’ Conference

•NDIC, Customs, UBA, Access Bank, Dangote rally support for Confab

•Eno promises to be accountable to Akwa Ibom People

Ogheneuvede Ohwovoriole and Okon Bassey in Uyo

Few days to its annual conference in Uyo, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has said Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, masters of economy and many corporate organisations, like the Nigeria Deposit insurance Corporation (NDIC), Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) and United Bank for Africa have rallied support for the conference.

Other organisations that have also indicated support for the conference, being organised by the professional body of editors in Nigeria, include Zenith Bank, Access Bank, Nigeria Port Authority and the Dangote Group.

In a statement by the NGE President, Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, yesterday, the editors said the huge support from Eno and corporate organisations, was a strong endorsement on the capacity by the NGE to help mobilise all stakeholders in resolving the current economic challenges in the country.

“We are thrilled by the huge support we are receiving from the Governor of the host state, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and many corporate organisations.

“It is an endorsement of the conceived aim and objective of the conference: to rally all the stakeholders in starting a robust conversation – aimed at resolving the nation’s current economic challenges.

“It is also a testament to the fact that the media has the capacity to mobilise all stakeholders in voicing diverse opinions on good governance reform, helping to build public consensus to bring about change in the society. And facilitate trade, conveying ideas and innovation across boundaries,” the Guild added.

In the conference expected to be declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NGE said it has invited masters of economy and technocrats from global and local institutions to interrogate the state of Nigeria’s economy, amidst concern over monetary/ fiscal policy, missing gaps, and the role of the media executives/editors in resolving the challenges

According to the Guild, the annual conference slated for November 14 to 18, 2023, would also witness the launch of the NGE Media Trust Fund, and interrogate the state of nation’s economy and the missing gaps, with a theme “Stimulating Economic Growth, Technological Advancement: Role of the Media.”

“The conference will also examine the Nigerian media sustainability and the existential threat by the Big Tech, and what needs to be done to arrest it.

“The goal of the conference is to remind editors and media executives that economic actors need accurate, credible, and timely information to allocate resources judiciously.

“Masters of economy, Tech experts and technocrats from both within and outside country have been invited to examine the burning issues – including the role of the editors in shaping the narrative and stemming the challenges,” the editors stated. 

The Guild further explained the conference would also focus on issues around the need for Nigeria to reduce the dependence on oil for exports and revenues, diversify its foreign exchange sources, close the infrastructure gap, build strong and effective institutions, as well as address governance issues and strengthen public financial management systems.

“Senior security experts and other stakeholders in the oil sector are also expected to examine the impact of illegal oil refinery, illegal bunkering and oil theft, which have continued to threaten the survival of the nation’s economy, and a major threat to Nigeria in meeting its revenue projections,” the editors added.

The statement stressed that the gathering would also afford the participants the huge opportunity to discuss issues affecting the journalism profession and proffer solutions that will enhance its robust practice in the country.

Meanwhile, Eno has promised to run a government accountable to the Akwa Ibom people.

Eno, spoke at the Chief Emeka Anyaoku Lecture Series on Good Governance held in Uyo, with the theme ‘Imperatives of Good Governance in Nigeria’.

The governor who was guest speaker at the event, identified accountability as a template for good governance, noting that he was committed to delivering democratic dividends to the people.

He said he had mandated commissioners and heads of agencies to brief the public on the activities of their department to keep the 7.9 million residents of the state up-to-date with the activities of their offices.

“We don’t just want to keep paying money and pay bills. I really want to see where these funds are going and what they seek to achieve,” the Akwa Ibom governor stated.

“I want my commissioners to begin to step out and say the things they are doing in their ministries. Let the people hear. Let them talk about the ministry that they are in charge.”

Eno added, “These are ways to try to be accountable, to let the people know that we are not in office for ourselves. We have about 7.9 million people in this state, and it is a sacred responsibility. We need to each day show to the people that we are here to serve them.”

He described his ARISE Agenda development blueprint as the compass to navigate the programmes of his administration.

The governor announced plans to flag off the ‘One-Per-Local Government Project’, which he described as a development catalyst at the grassroots, saying the project would be a signature project in every local government area of the state within two years.

“In five months of being in office, we have tried to show the direction we want to go, and we have tried to stay on our campaign promises through the ARISE Agenda,” said the governor.

“In the next few days, we will be flagging off the 31 projects chosen by the local governments because we want them to own those projects. So they chose the projects they wanted for their local governments.”

The governor commended Chief Emeka Anyaoku, in whose capacity the lecture series was held. He described him as legendary for distinguishing himself as an advocate of good governance in the country.

He said the choice of the state for the 12th Annual Lecture Series was apt and commended the event organisers, Youth Affairs International Foundation, for their decision to immortalise Chief Anyaoku.

Anyaoku, said his presence was his first visit to Akwa Ibom, and he admired the ambience, commending the Eno administration for his passion for education, healthcare delivery, agriculture and creating a turnaround in grassroots development.