By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has called on the federal government to invest more in Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST), saying, the importance of the agency to the development of the nation’s economy cannot be over-emphasised.
This, Governor Emmanuel said, is in spite of the advent of the new media means of communications.
He spoke while receiving the Management of the Nigerian Postal Service, Benin Zonal Headquarters led by the Zonal Manager, NIPOST Benin Zone, Mrs. Loretto Nwakanma, who paid a courtesy visit to him at Government House, Uyo, being part of the activities to mark this year’s World Postal Day in Akwa Ibom.
Represented by his deputy, Mr. Moses Ekpo, the Governor announced the state government plans to provide the flagship programmes of the State to be promoted in the postage stamps of the agency, saying that his government was interested in conversations that would further uplift the living standards and fortunes of the entire citizenry.
“I am of the opinion that the NIPOST is still relevant to our development and our economy. Since the agency requires permanent structures across the nation, the Federal Government should properly invest in NIPOST.
“I hope the Federal Government will pay greater attention to the development of the NIPOST, the advent of the new media does not obliterate the importance of your organisation. NIPOST has a role to play in communication culture and economic development of our country and unless you are properly equipped, this may not be possible”, he further emphasised.
Governor Emmanuel commended the Agency for choosing Akwa Ibom for her 2021 World Post Day coming up on October 8, and for the acknowledging the contributions of his administration to the growth of Nigeria.
He assured that his administration would do everything to ensure that the peace provided and enjoyed in Akwa Ibom by God’s grace and through the instrumentality of security agencies, permeate other parts of the country for Nigeria to be peaceful and in unity.
Speaking earlier, the Zonal Manager NIPOST Benin Zone, Mrs Loretto Nwakanma, acknowledged the developmental strides of Governor Udom Emmanuel, describing it as gigantic strides which has culminated in the massive development witnessed in the State.
Nwakanma said that she was impressed by what she called the very transformational education policy of Governor Udom Emmanuel, which she said has enabled students from the State to continue to win laurels for Akwa Ibom in the last couple of years at the nationwide essay competitions sponsored by the Universal Postal Union.
“It’s remarkable to mention that some students of this great state have always done well in the Essay Writing competitions over the last couple of years and it’s not by accident because this state has a transformational education policy”.
The Zonal Manager said they were in the Akwa Ibom State to prepare for the celebration of the World Post Day in October 8, adding that the choice of Akwa Ibom for this year’s celebration was inspired by the outstanding performances of students from the state over the past couple of years.
She also commended the empowerment programmes, the road projects and industrialization agenda of the Governor Udom Emmanuel government with particular mention to the services of the state owned airline, the Ibom Air.
She highlighted some of the services of the agency and appealed for patronage, especially with regards to showcasing the exploits of the State to the world on postal stamps. On the team were the Deputy Zonal Manager, Marketing, Mr. Momoh Yakubu, Deputy Zonal Manager, Audit, Mr. Ogunmoroti Peter. A, the Deputy Zonal Manager, Legal, Mr. Ezeigbebe Walter, Deputy Zonal Manager, Property & Workshop, Mr. Azuka Onwukduegbo and Acting Deputy Zonal Manager, Corporate Communications, Ms Amaghiro Ginikanwa.
Others were the District Manager, Uyo, Mrs. Francisca A. Obasi, District Postal Manager, Eket, Mrs. Otoanwan Orok and the District Manager, Corporate Communications, Mrs Martha Uwem Ikpong.
