The State Commissioner for
Finance, Mr. Akan Okon has admonished Journalists in the State to see themselves
as patriots with equal stake in the State's development by writing reports that
positively projects its corporate image.
The Commissioner made the appeal in Uyo when he received the executive members of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists(NAWOJ) who called on him on Wednesday.
Okon frowned at some of the negative media reports that paints gloomy picture of the state, noting that every society has its problems which he said are surmountable and as such focus should be less on what he termed adversarial reportage that may hamper the socio-economic advancement of the State.
According to him, "if we continue to send out negative reports about our State,it may discourage potential investors from coming in to aid in the development of our economy. We all can attest to the fact that Akwa Ibom is one of the most peaceful States in Nigeria, with a conducive business environment. we should therefore showcase these positive aspects of the State to the world".
Describing information as a powerful tool that could build or break the society, the Finance commissioner added that journalist have cardinal role of giving the people a direction by disseminating information that are factual and as such should be reference point for authentic information rather than speculation mills.
Acknowledging that making Akwa Ibom greater requires the collective efforts of all, Mr. Akan Okon opined that as members of the fourth estate of the realm, the press have to partner in State building by using their outlets to highlight government programs and activities for the buy-in of the public as well as serve as feedback loops through constructive criticisms that would move the State forward.
On the present economic challenge in Nigeria occasioned by the drastic drop in oil price which has negative effect on the revenue earnings,the Commissioner noted that a lot of people were still looking at things the way they used to be when oil price was high , and harped on massive education and enlightenment to enable people adjust to the situation, assuring that government would continue to do its best to better the lot of the society.
He saluted the women Journalists for lifting up the banner of the profession in Akwa ibom state, Nigeria, and the world in spite of the hazards, pledging to support NAWOJ realize its set goals and objectives.
Earlier, the State Chairman of NAWOJ, Mrs. Uduak Ekong said the visit was to familiarize with the ministry of Finance and also intimate the Finance Commissioner of the manifesto of the new EXCO with the view to seeking partnership and support to actualize their dreams.
> She said NAWOJ was conceived by a group of women journalist in Akwa Ibom who came together with the vision to use their respective platforms to advocate and canvass support on issues that concerns women and children, especially the vulnerable which had not received adequate attention in the circular media.
Mrs. Ekong stated that their vision is to give NAWOJ a new direction for enhanced professionalism and innovation through sponsorship of members to training workshops outside the state for robust capacity building in line with global best practices, as well as setting up a cooperative society where members would be exposed on entrepreneurial skills acquisitions, among others.
The NAWOJ Chairman also used the medium to condemn activities of what she termed "bad eggs" in the media who deviate from the ethics and principles of journalism by churning out stories that are far from reality, and assured that plans were underway by the parent body, the Nigerian Union of Journalist to weed out these categories of people giving the profession a bad name.
She lauded the Commissioner, Mr. Akan Okon whom she described as great performer with track record of achievements in both public and private sector for the fiscal reforms in the financial sector of Akwa Ibom state and urged him to continue the good works.
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