Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom has promised to complete the new Press Centre complex of the state council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Uyo June next year.
Akpabio, who gave the assurance at the ground breaking ceremony for the N1.5 billion complex named after him also donated N100 million for the take off of the project.
He expressed delight at the concept and design of the project pointing out that they were in line with the quality of infrastructural projects, which has defined the uncommon transformation status of his administration.
The governor maintained that his administration has continued to treat the media as part of government and expressed confidence in the ability of journalists to help drive the Akwa Ibom project.
He therefore urged the union leadership to ensure that the complex would also provide them with the impetus to fight unfair practices in the profession, which according to him has assumed a worrisome dimension in recent times in the state.
In a remark the state information commissioner Mr. Aniekan Umana stated that the current leadership of the union in the state has demonstrated effective leadership qualities but added that its success story was a result of collective efforts of union members.
“It is noteworthy that members donated at least a bag of cement to this project that will eventually become a one stop centre for journalists in Nigeria.” Umana said.
Earlier in his speech the state NUJ chairman, Mr. Patrick Albert had explained that the complex, set on a 1.4hectares of land would be executed in two phases.
The first phase according to Albert would include work on the perimeter fencing and gate house, a temporary club house, a 1,000 capacity auditorium and a two floor office.
“The second phase of the project will incorporate a media museum with a 300 computer ICT unit, a permanent club house and a 25 room guest house for visiting journalists,” the chairman explained.
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Akpabio pledges to complete N1.5bn NUJ Centre in 11 months
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