By Patrick Ochei
The revered 2nd Vice Chairman of Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and King of Ubulu-Uno Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM Obi (Dr) Henry Afamefune Kikachukwu has commended the Executive Governor of Delta State and PDP Vice Presidential Candidate in the forthcoming general elections, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for building a befitting Secretariat for the members of the fourth estate of the realm in the State.
He gave this commendation when he visited the Press Centre to felicitate with the Council Executive for the new year, and he was taken on a guided tour of the edifice by the NUJ Chairman and other members of the State Working Committee.
Obi Kikachukwu said it could only take a media friendly Governor to take up the project and complete it tastefully to enhance the performance of Journalists in their statutory assignments.
He urged Journalists in the State through the NUJ, to endeavour to cultivate the virtue of gratitude by building on more cordiality with the Government as a way of reciprocating the unprecedented gestures of the Governor.
He therefore prayed for the Governor to receive the reward of God for the favour done the NUJ and for his numerous accomplishments in the State, adding that he has seen good days, he would see better days going forward in his personal eandeavours and political career.
He also prayed for the Union to receive the grace to do its job of Watchdog to the pleasing of God and satisfaction of humanity.
The amiable Monarch commended the Chairman for holding the union together since his inception of office, particularly his second inauguration which has seen good things coming to the union.
His words, “Your tenure couldn’t have come at a better time than now. We were all happy at your emergence and we thank God for the bar that has been raised so far.
“The journalism profession is noble in creating awareness for the proper information, education and entertainment of its audiences. These functions are key for societal advancement and development.
“I will suggest that the leadership of NUJ finds a way to meet with the Council of Traditional Rulers in the interest of building working synergy. Our roles as Traditional Rulers and yours as Media are tailored towards passing the verdict of peace, sound values and security of our society towards sustainable development.
“We are not partisan in politics, but our duty is to ensure safe, peaceful and serene environment to practice politics and administer good governance. So there is need for us to meet and activate this partnership in the interest of a better society, anchored on positive behavioural patterns for human and economic advancement”, the Royal Father admonished.
In his response, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu appreciated the Monarch for being the first to ever visit the Press Centre to greet and engage the Council members.
According to him, “We will not take this royal visit for granted; and coming earlier in the year means that God has sanctioned it to bring us good things for the year.
“We have keenly observed your person Your Majesty, and there is no mincing words to say that you are a thoroughbred custodian of our people’s culture and traditions. No wonder your personality and fame is towering within the traditional institution across the country, and, also based on the services you have rendered and still rendering to Nigeria as a renowned statistician.
“We are proud of you in the media, because you are one traditional ruler that has distinguished himself in conduct, humility, peace and conflict resolution and preservation of culture and traditions in our dear State.
“We have taken note of all the points you have advanced here with us, they are all germaine to the partnership we need to build in our desire to take our State to the next positive level. For identifying with us, we will give your visit the deserved publicity in order to encourage other well meaning Deltans to equally seek friendship and partnership with the NUJ in the State.
“By your vantage position in the society Your Majesty, we are also soliciting your assistance to canvass for us, issues that will benefit the media in the State. Thank you Your Majesty for this awesome Royal visit”, Ikeogwu appreciated.
In his vote of thanks to the academically accomplished traditional ruler, the Secretary of the NUJ in the State, Deacon (Comrade) Patrick Ochei assured the Obi of Ubulu-Uno of the readiness of the NUJ to partner the traditional rulers to advance the State and nation in the right direction going forward.
He also assured the Royal Father that the media would continue to canvass constitutional role for the traditional institution as a way of galvanising them to assist the Government in curbing insecurity from the community levels.
Ochei thanked the Monarch for visiting and promised to follow up on the resolutions reached during the engagement.
