By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Commitment to public service and staff development of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Information and Strategy, (MOI&S), has won it the 2022 NIPR Excellence Award in Human Capacity Development.
The award was presented to the Ministry at the weekend, during the 2022 NIPR Annual General Meeting/8th Chief O. W. Udoh Memorial Lecture/ Dinner/Award Night in Uyo.
Reacting after receiving the award on behalf of the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary, Akparawa James Edet appreciated the Institute for the recognition and commended the Commissioner, Comrade Ini Ememobong for his remarkable achievements that stood out the Ministry for the honour.
Akparawa Edet, dedicated the award to the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for prioritising Human Capacity Development in his Completion Agenda and also to staff for their contributions towards the success of the rebranding processes of the Ministry.
On his part, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong, described as timely, the 8th Chief O. W. Udoh Memorial Lecture tagged: Strategic Communication and Credible 2023 Electioneering in Nigeria, especially as preparations are at top gear toward the 2023 general elections.
Ememobong commended the leadership of the state chapter of NIPR for putting together the well attended and glamorous event and charged them to sustain the current spirit of teamwork, excellence and deligence.
The Memorial Lecture was presented by Barr. Festus Okoye, the Commissioner for Information and Voter Education of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC who advised the electorate to ensure strict adherence to voting guidelines for a free and credible elections.
In his welcome remarks, the State Chapter Chairman of NIPR, Mr. Nsemeke Udoakpan expressed appreciation to all who have turned up from far and wide to the event, particularly the Memorial Lecture Speaker, Barr. Festus Okoye and congratulated all the Award Winners in the different categories.
Goodwill messages were delivered at the event by individuals and corporate organisations including: the newest Fellow of the Institute, Pastor (Dr) Anietie Ukpe, the DG of AKBC, the Speaker of AKHA represented by the House Committee Chairman on Information Rt. Hon. Barr. Aniefiok Denis and the representative of the PDP gubernatorial candidate in the State, Chief Dr. Chris Abasieyo, among others.
Other corporate Organisations, Institutions and Brands were also recognised at the event for their outstanding performances and innovations within the year.
The ceremony was attended by EXCO members of NIPR from sister states, a member of the National Assembly and former Commissioner of Information, Elder Aniekan Umanah, the Head of the Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, the State Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Amos Etuk, the State PPRO, Odiko MacDon, Directors in the Ministry, Governor’s Aides, government functionaries, brand representatives and members of the State Chapter of NIPR.
Ministry of Information and Strategy stole the show with Directors coming out for the Award presentation in the branded White on black uniform of the Ministry.
