By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The newly appointed Senior Special Assistant, (SSA) to the kogi state Governor, on Print Media Hon. Michael Ozigi on Wednesday in Lokoja promised a new dawn in the working relationship with members of Kogi State correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The SSA, who was on a working visit to the chapel on Wednesday at NUJ press Centre, Lokoja urged members to put behind the ugly situation of the past that strained the relationship, saying, ” my appointment by the Governor is to project the image of the government which he cannot be achieved without the cooperation of members of the Union”.
Ozigi who disclosed that he was born into Journalism profession as his father was a veteran broadcast Journalist, hinting that whatever he does to the Practitioners, he has his father in mind.
He promised to change the narrative for the best for both the Correspondent and his principal, Governor Yahaya Bello, who he described as workaholic and press friendly.
Hon. Ozigi called for more synergy through purposive and purposeful reportage of events of the state, stressing that in so doing, it will pave ways for a new thinking by the Governor towards the Correspondents Chapel.
He charged members to avoid acts that is detrimental to the upholding the tenet of sound Journalism, adding that, he is determined to work for the welfare of members.
“I’m aware of the strain relationship between the Correspondent members and the Government, which ought not to have been so. My appointment is a good omen for Journalists in the state.”
According to him “I was born into Journalism Family. My Father was a broadcaster. I was brought up in the highest Journalism tradition. I hold the profession in high esteem. It has been my desire to see Journalists in their best.”
“I m aware of your predicaments. We need to work together as a team to change the situation for good. I implore you to put in your best in projecting the image of the government and the state. The Governor is friendly with the press and I can assure you if we do our work professionally, the Governor would have no cause than to embrace us”.
“I therefore request you to focus on the developmental strides of the government which according to him cut across all sectors of the state economy. It is unacceptable for me for Correspondent chapel members not to be present at the state functions. We in the media team of the administration would ensure that what is due for Journalists is extended to you.” He assured.
In his remarks, the chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, Mr. Friday Idachaba commended the new SSA and his colleagues for finding it expedient for the visit and to chart a new cooperation.
He lamented the plights of his members in the past few years and urged him to ensure that the pitfalls were corrected as soon as possible, saying his members were not in any way working for the downfall of the Government.
In their separate remarks , the SSA on electronic media, Mrs Billie Nwogu and her counterpart at the New Media, Hon. Levi Atuluku assured of a new dawn that will improve on the relationship and called on Journalists to report accurately the activities of government .
