By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Beneficiaries of the N1.6 million broadcast training grant have been charged to be worthy ambassadors of Akwa Ibom State and to demonstrate diligence and commitment at their imminent training at the National Broadcast Academy (NBA), Lagos.
The grant was to support their six-week professional broadcast training at the NBA
The charge was given yesterday when cheques were officially presented to the eight beneficiaries by the donor, Dr. Essien Ndueso, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, at a brief ceremony in Uyo.
Speaking during the event Ndueso explained that the gesture was not borne out of his passion for professionalism in journalism and a desire to see young Akwa Ibom people equipped with skills to contribute positively to the society.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity and give back to the state through excellence in their chosen career paths.
“The Akwa Ibom State Governor has set a template in human capacity enhancement through the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Center, DASAC and the Ibom Leadership Entrepreneurial Development Centre.
“The essence is to equip people with set skills for the opportunities he is creating in the State.
“The Governor is about to commence the construction of an ultra modern digital Broadcast Station for the State-owned AKBC, and that place will need professionals in sync with the evolving trends in the industry.” He said.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Akwa Ibom, Comrade Nsibiet John, commended Dr. Ndueso for his commitment to youth empowerment and urged the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously, build meaningful networks, and avoid seeing the grant as political patronage but as an invitation to contribute meaningfully to society.
Similarly, the Chancellor of the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom (COOPA) applauded the initiative, describing it as a forward-thinking intervention that will not only equip young media practitioners but also strengthen the state’s image through professional storytelling.
He encouraged the trainees to use the opportunity to distinguish themselves among their peers.
One of the recipients, Florence Essien, speaking on behalf of her colleagues, expressed gratitude to Ndueso and pledged that the beneficiaries would represent Akwa Ibom State with distinction at the academy and beyond.
The NBA training, which covers courses in Broadcast Production, Presentation Techniques, Journalism and News Writing, Media Marketing, Broadcast Engineering, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and Digital Studio Management commences on Monday September 29, and lasts till November 7, 2025.
