Strategic Communications sub-Committee Chairman of Umo Eno/Akon Eyakenyi Campaign Council, Mr. Usen Udoh, says the media serves several essential roles in a democratic society, informing that a credible and responsible mass media system informs and empowers all members of the society with a view to entrenching democratic values.
Speaking with newsmen against the background of the appointment of a renowned media expert, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, as Chief Press Secretary and the governor’s maiden visit to the Government Press Centre Uyo, on Thursday, Mr. Usen Udoh described the choice of the immediate past CPS as the best thing that has happened to the “golden era,” given his wealth of experience in media management.
According to the strategic marketing expert, the “golden era” under Pastor Umo Eno, will spring many surprises in all facets of development, including infrastructural, socio-cultural, tourism and hospitality, and economic growth through his inclusive governance agenda.
He expressed the confidence that, given Pastor Umo Eno’s liberal disposition, his administration will enjoy cordial working relationship with the media, adding that the primary purpose of a free media is to provide the citizens with vital information about policies of government in a bid to provide information to individuals to enable them make their own decisions.
Mr. Udoh, pioneer Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Tourism and Hospitality Practitioners’ Association (AKTHOPA) and pioneer Chairman of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), in Akwa Ibom State, noted that the monitorial role of the media, anchored on providing information to individuals to enable them make their own decisions through publishing reports and shedding light on public opinion is crucial in entrenching democratic values.
“The obvious role of the media is to circulate news that can help the people to educate themselves on what is happening in their environment and around the world, ranging from political, economic, socio-cultural, ecological and crime news to make the citizens become aware of the happenings in the world they live in.
“The media report the news as well serving as an intermediary between the government and the people in helping them to determine which issues should be discussed. This keeps the people actively involved in governance. The media being the Fourth Estate of the Realm play an important role in disseminating information, while also serving as the eyes and ears of the public.
“Proverbs 29:2 says: ‘When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice… I am quite confident that under the ‘Golden Era’ of Pastor Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom people will have more reasons to thank God for and rejoice in the spirit of ”happy hour”.
“I would therefore use this medium to appeal to all Akwa Ibom people, both at home and in the Diaspora to ‘Arise’ and lend their support to the new administration in building an ‘Amazing Akwa Ibom!!!’ of our dream.
“Akwa Ibom people will be duly informed and sensitised on all government policies and programmes with a view to encouraging all to participate actively in governance,” Mr. Udoh maintained.
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