*Seeks collaboration ahead of governorship debate
By: PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Towards efforts to ensure free fair and credible general election, the Political Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council has started a tour of Radio/TV stations in the state to seek collaboration ahead of the 2023 governorship debate.
The democratic exercise spearheaded by the union, is billed to provide the governorship candidates the biggest platforms to share their plans with the people of the state, given the strong desire for good governance and accountability in the state.
The committee led by the Chairman, Comrade Aniekan Udofia kick-started the tour on Wednesday with a visit to Radio Nigeria and Atlantic FM where the team was received by the acting General Manager, Mr Samuel Essien.
On Thursday, the committee visited Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) Radio and TV and met with the Director General, Pastor Anietie Ukpe, at Passion FM and ABN TV, the General Manager, Mr. Ikechukwu Juwe received the team.
The committee also visited Inspiration FM and interacted with the General Manager, Mr Sam Akpan, then proceeded to XL FM and was received by the Head of Operations, Mr Charles Akpan and Head of Presentations, Ugochukwu Bamidele while at TheMixx FM, the Head of Station, Miss Favour Kayode received the team.
On Friday January 13, the committee visited Comfort FM, NTA, Premium FM, Redemption FM, Planet FM and Spectrum TV and was received by the heads of the various stations.
At the visits, the committee chairman, Comrade Udofia who presented a CD containing jingle to the station heads for airing ahead of the governorship debate, said the radio and television stations are critical partners in the project, adding that the tour became necessary in order to seek their commitment in promoting the event as well as broadcast the debate live on January 29.
In their individual responses, the heads of stations commended the NUJ political committee for the progress made so far and promised to air the jingle and to partner the committee for the success of the debate.
The debate which has received a boost with more partners endorsing and indicating interest to support is billed to hold on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at Ibom Icon Hotels and Golf Resorts by 4pm, and will be strictly on invitation.
The in-house audience shall remain inactive and only send in their questions to the question bank where moderators would harmonize them.
