Newsfront Online …Telling the Public as it is
…Promises better deal
By Augustine Akpan
Prince Emmanuel Sam, the newly appointed Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Local Media has promised to forge a strong partnership with Publishers of State-based newspapers and the media community to fast track the pace of development in Akwa Ibom State.
In his maiden meeting with publishers of state-based papers in Uyo, Saturday, 29th June 2019, Prince Sam, who until his appointment doubled as Publisher of The Guide Newspaper and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Independent Newspaper Publishers Association (INPA), thanked his colleagues for
the show of solidarity ever since his name was announced few days ago, stating that such level of love showered on him across divides, has placed a moral burden on him to up the game.
Prince Sam who expressed gratitude to Gov Emmanuel for deeming it fit to call him to serve his fatherland in such capacity promised to build an harmonious relationship between the government and the media for the overall development of the state.
The Governor’s aide who assured that his new post would remain a liaison office between the state government and publishers, listed welfare of publishers as one of the topmost priorities on his agenda. He also stated that deciding on a standard advert rate for state-based newspapers was one of the policies he will push forward to the government, saying it was discouraging seeing government adhere to advertorial rate of national newspapers but haphazardly pay peanuts to state-based newspapers who cover the nook and cranny of the state.
Still on improving welfare of members of the pen profession, Prince Emmanuel Sam said it was high time publishers in the state who have spent all their hard earned resources projecting the activities and success stories of both government and individuals started being celebrated as well. He promised to ensure that publishers will also be rewarded with car gift by government during his regime.
Also speaking, the immediate past Special Assistant to the Governor, Mr Uko Umoh congratulated Prince Emmanuel Sam on his appointment which he described as well-deserved and told him to feel free to contact him whenever he needs his advice. He however urged him not to create factions or show favouritism in his dealing with publishers but should endeavour to carry everyone along.
Comrades Lucy Daniel, Amos Etuk, David Augustine, Israel Umoh, Solomon Bassey, Prince Bonny Nyong, Nsibiet John and Inimfon Silas all presented goodwill messages, wishing the newly appointed SA success. The event was attended by publishers in the state.
