Patrick Albert: The promise keeper

 

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

It is no longer news that construction  of the proposed Godswill Akpabio In ternational Press Centre has eventually began and work is in progress at the expansive secretariat measuring about 1409 hectares of land located along Information Drive, Off IBB Way, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

 The ground breaking of the proposed site which was performed a year ago, precisely on Friday, July 4, 2014 by the former Governor, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio was seen by many as political formality after some months without any sign of work.

The project we had lost hope that it will not come to past after a long expectations. Reason was because #100 million seed fund was promised by the then Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio during the ground breaking ceremony for the commencement of the construction of the project that was named after him, but the fund was not released until some days to the end of his (Godswill Akpabio) tenure. To God be the glory that at last, the money was released by the State Government and work has commenced with speed without any further delay. We are now very happy that at last, the construction of the long awaited project has finally commenced with a completion period of 6 months. Which means very soon we will boast of a press centre of an International standard, first of its kind in the country.

The secretariat expansion when completed will be one of the best edifice of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the country. Currently under construction is a two-storey Office Complex with about 20 Room offices, a 300-capacity ICT Centre and Mini Conference rooms.  It will also have NUJ Gardens (Club House), followed with a 1000-Capacity Auditorium, a 25-bedroom Guest Room House, Office Complex and Shops, etc. 

Total transformation of the Union was one of the campaign tools employed by Elder Patrick Albert Campaign Organization, formally known as “Rebirth 2013”. During his campaign, Elder Patrick Albert had promised to transform the face of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).He had promised that the NUJ press Centre will receive every attention needed to make it functional and attractive to members through provision of basic facilities.

Patrick Albert’s vision/mission for the Union was “To bring all journalists on board to collectively restore the lost glory of Union and rekindle interest, inspire confidence and love among members. To unite journalists into a family that will gradually become a formidable community in Akwa Ibom State polity. To create opportunities that will enhance the welfare of members and make the union a dynamic force to be reckoned with” 

In a step to fulfill his campaign promises, the NUJ secretariat has since given a facelift structurally and otherwise. Firstly, was the equipping of the ICT centre, constants electricity supply at the secretariat, renovation of old building, painting as well as perimeter fencing of the secretariat.

Patrick Albert, who was pregnant then with visions, has been able to use his connections assiduously with relevant government agencies to actualize the state of NUJ in Akwa Ibom. His administration has given journalists the opportunity to be recognized especially in the State. As the fourth Estate of the realm, the Union under Elder Patrick Albert has dispassionately aligned with government, public and private institutions on the avenues which have promoted socio-economic and political growth of Akwa Ibom State in particular and the Nation in general. Patrick Albert led administration has developed a strong synergy with appropriate authorities to promote peace, unity, justice and equity, fairness and security in the society.

 His administration has ensured the training and re-training of NUJ members. It could be recalled during his inaugural congress on September 12, 2013; Patrick Albert had reiterated that the mandate bestowed on him was a social contract which he will use he not disappoint.

According to his address then “We have come with great passion; we have come with the best of intention and we have come to awaken our mental resourcefulness to the very dreams that we have had over the years. As we set off, let us see it as a collective endeavour. No football team can ever make successful impact if the players are not united in their pursuit and actions. So far, we have seen a united desire, strong love that can be felt and tremendous cooperation evidently seen. In the light of this exiting scenario, you can therefore be rest assured that we shall marshal our dreams to fruition in leaps and bounds. 

In going about the implementation of our action plans, our ideals as clearly enunciated in my pre-election manifesto will be carefully pursued to their logical conclusion. Where necessary, moderation and tact will be employed to achieve resounding success. 

In consideration of the building of a desirable Press Centre; we will soon inaugurate NUJ Model Press Centre Development Project Committee. We have reached out to notable persons who will serve in the committee and we will humbly request the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communication to perform the inauguration ceremony when the list is ready. The committee is to promote, attract and manage funds for the development and building of the proposed Model Press Centre. It will have NUJ Gardens (Club House); 25 Guest Room Hotel, 300 Capacity ICT Centre, 750-1000 capacity Auditorium, Office Complex and Shops, etc.” 

“It is pertinent to inform you that we have inspected the present building and there is urgent need to carry out some level of rehabilitation and provide essential equipment. These are very tasking endeavours, which demand us to work as a team and step up our interest and contributions. While we will look outside for some level of assistance, we have to be prepared to task ourselves as a matter of professional pride and interest. 

Gentlemen, as ours is both industrial and professional body, we will at all times rise in promotion and protection of the interest of our members. We will facilitate the payment of the 22 per cent weigh in allowance to all journalists in Government Media establishments as well as explore ways to improve the employment status of our members in local newspapers. We will also protect the integrity of the Union by bringing to book members involved in professional misconduct. Accordingly, we will ensure that our members abide by our code of ethics. We know that journalism entails a high degree of public trust and to earn and maintain this trust, it is morally imperative for every journalist and every News medium to observe the highest professional and ethical standards. We must have healthy regards for public interest while exercising our duties.” With what is on ground now in the NUJ secretariat and judging from Albert’s speech during his inaugural congress, NUJ members are proud to say they made a right decision to have allowed Patrick Albert lead the union. NUJ members made a wise decision to have elected Patrick Albert as their chairman. He is the only man that has the capacity to bring members together into one fold, marshal their visions as well as lift them to higher realms of service 

Having succeeded in achieving 60 percent of his campaign promises, Elder Albert has also succeeded in exposing the Union and her members by collaborating with other agencies to ensure welfare of the members are well taken care of.   

It is believed that if Elder Patrick Albert is given the space and the needed encouragements to discharge his duties, he will totally transform the face of the union in the State. There is saying that nothing extraordinary comes from an ordinary man. Patrick Albert is an extraordinary man sent from God to lead Akwa Ibom State Council the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). The union led by Patrick Albert is now enjoying the privileges of God.      

Stakeholders of the union should see the need to join hands with Elder Patrick Albert to actualize the dream of transforming as well as taking NUJ to the next level. May God give Elder Patrick Albert the strength to lead our union till the end of his tenure.