In a phenomenal move to make information available to the people, Akwa Ibom State government now Patronizes the services of Town Criers by integrating them in the information dissemination in the State.
This is the first of it’s kind anywhere in Nigeria, as no government either Federal or State has ever thought of the relevance of the local purveyors in news gathering and dissemination.
The move would carry the rural communities of Akwa Ibom State along in government activities, as the State Government now incorporates Town Criers into the information dissemination structure to take message directly to the people in communities, as well as bolster grassroots information dissemination and governance inclusion by Governor Umo Eno.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, disclosed this during the formal integration of the Town Criers from across the state into the official government communication framework meeting recently in Uyo.
Addressing representatives of the Town Criers from all the villages in the state in his office, he outlined a pivotal new role for the traditional communicators.
Mkpisong Archibong directed the town criers to work closely with the Traditional Rulers Council (TRC) and their respective Village Heads, positioning them as vital coordinators for government activities within their communities.
Archibong, emphasized that their performance would determine their ongoing role as village representatives within the government structure.
“Your duty is crucial,” Archibong stated saying that, you are to serve as the primary channel for passing accurate government information down to every village in Akwa Ibom State. To ensure you receive this information correctly and promptly, you will work directly with my Ministry and the Commissioner for Information.”
The Commissioner stressed the importance of unity among the town criers and urged them to be active and dedicated in their new responsibilities. He announced plans for them to attend key government functions, granting them access to first-hand information directly from Governor Umo Eno.
“Governor Umo Eno is deeply committed to the wellbeing of our citizens and to ensuring the security and peace of Akwa Ibom State,” Archibong affirmed. “You are now partners in achieving this. I will work closely with you, and you will be provided with the necessary tools to perform your duties effectively.”
Echoing Archibong’s sentiments, the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umana, who was also present, expressed his delight at the integration.
“I am very happy to meet all of you today,” Umana said. “This development signifies that you have now become a recognized part of the governance structure. This is a practical demonstration of the inclusivity which His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, constantly advocates.”
Commissioner Umana confirmed his ministry’s role in the new arrangement, stating, “The Ministry of Information will be sending vital government communications and sensitisation materials directly to you for dissemination to your communities.”
This initiative marks a deliberate effort by the Umo Eno administration to leverage traditional communication networks for enhanced civic engagement and policy awareness at the grassroots level.
The meeting had in attendance the Secretary, Traditional Ruler’s Council, Akwa Ibom State, Dr Emmanuel Umontuen and Secretaries of local government traditional Ruler’s Council in Akwa Ibom State.
When Uyo Info media went to town to get the pulls of the people, some Akwa Ibom residents who reacted to the development described it as a welcome initiative by the State Government.
One of them, Mr. Kingsley George who commented on the rare privilege for the Town Criers said, their involment in information management would close the gap between Government and the governed.
According to him, “it will unite the town and rural communities by bringing the people to a common ground, thereby filtering falsehood that hitherto characterized information sharing”.
By Dennis Udoma
