UYO – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved the payment of weigh-in allowance to journalists in the state’s civil service who were previously omitted from benefiting from the scheme.
The Governor gave the approval on Monday during a courtesy visit by the newly elected leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, at Government House, Uyo.
Governor Eno said it was only fair that all eligible journalists receive the allowance, especially as many of them, particularly members of the Government House Press Corps, routinely work beyond official hours in the discharge of their duties.
He directed the Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Elsie Peters, to immediately implement the directive.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and the overall well-being of Akwa Ibom people, the Governor pledged to sustain the delivery of his campaign promises under the ARISE Agenda.
He noted that the state was recording steady developmental progress through deliberate planning and purposeful leadership, stressing that meaningful development does not occur by chance but through intentional action.
Highlighting some of the administration’s recent achievements, Governor Eno announced the arrival of the first batch of 20 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, describing the initiative as part of ongoing efforts to improve public transportation and enhance the state’s infrastructure.
Congratulating the new NUJ leadership on its emergence, the Governor commended the union for its continued partnership with his administration and called on journalists to intensify support in projecting the state’s developmental strides, particularly as government pursues its vision of positioning Akwa Ibom as a leading tourism destination.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, said the visit was to formally present the newly elected executive to the Governor and express appreciation for his unwavering support to the union.
He described Governor Eno as one of the most media-friendly governors in the country, citing several interventions, including the completion of the long-abandoned Patience Umo Eno Hall at the NUJ Press Centre after over 18 years, the donation of brand-new vehicles to the immediate past NUJ leadership, and the appointment of journalists into key positions in government.
Comrade John also reaffirmed the union’s commitment to professionalism, saying the NUJ would continue to combat quackery and fake news, while remaining a dependable partner in the socio-economic development of Akwa Ibom State.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Elsie Peters; Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson; and Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umana among others.
