- A’Ibom Veteran Journalists Get New Interim Exco
The League of Veteran Journalists in Akwa Ibom State is currently being repositioned to engage more in the affairs of the state, and in mentoring young journalism professionals.
To this end, the League has constituted a four-man Interim Executive Committee to pilot its affairs and chart a new direction for the organisation. The development follows the non-conduct of elections to constitute a new leadership to take over from the Chris Udofia-led EXCO, whose tenure expired August last year.
The new team whose tenure expires in July, is led by Noble Veterans Sunday Antai, as Chairman; Eddy Ekpenyong, as Secretary; Mary Asuquo, Treasurer; and Akanimo Sampson as the Publicity Secretary.
At its maiden meeting, the new interim exco expressed its willingness to leverage on members’ network to ensure that the League is better positioned to defend the rights of its members and those of the elderly.
“We will engage Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) by, as much as possible, offering mentoring in journalism, critical-issues reporting, media innovations and cutting-edge research and resources”, the interim chair, Antai, said at the meeting.
In a press release on Wednesday, 19 Februarythe League promises to promote press freedom, defend the rights of journalists to report news professionally without let or hindrance.”
In line with the ARISE Agenda of the Umo Eno-led administration, the League says it intends to advocate for, inform, and support the elderly population.
While appreciating the state government’s initiatives in support of the elderly, the organisation said that more still need to be done in the area of providing safety economic initiatives to improve the lives of Akwa Ibom elders, more so in the face of very depressing economic realities.
The League also wants to be
dedicated to engaging public, policymakers and law enforcement agencies about elder abuse and neglect, by striving to create awareness about the vulnerability of the aged and the poor in society.
Based on their vast experiences within and outside the state, the League of Veteran Journalists has pledged to be advocating for the rights of current and former state and local government employees.
To achieve that goal, the League says it will be working to increase awareness of pension and rights of the aged.
Meanwhile, the group holds its meetings on the first Friday of every month at the NUJ Press Centre along the Information Drive, Uyo.
