The Senior Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso has commended the State leadership of  Nigeria Union of Journalists  for accepting to host their yearly Thanksgiving Service in his  home town Ikot Ibiok, Eket.

Dr Essien Ndueso with Members of the 2024 Nigeria Union Of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council thanksgiving service committee in his office today.

Dr Ndueso who was visibly elated  by the choice of Qua Iboe church, Ikot Ibiok, said it was not just his village church but where he got christened as a baby many years ago.

Playing host to the thanksgiving planning Committee in his office, Government House, Uyo, he also commended the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Frank Archibong for his immense support to the Union, and donated N100,000 to further aid the committee in its assignment.

“When I was informed about the Thanksgiving service I was excited especially knowing it was happening in my home church.

“The visit to Eket is actually homecoming for us and most of the members of the committee, ”he added.

He said that the Commissioner for Local Government has been a backbone to many people across the State, and hence he was not surprised that he decided to facilitate the hosting of the NUJ top event in Eket.

He appealed to the journalists to continue supporting Governor Umo Eno who has been very media-friendly in his disposition to governance, especially with the appointment of several journalists to serve in his administration.

Dr Ndueso also commended Elder Solomon Okpo, a veteran Journalist  and member of the committee who he described as a bastion of knowledge for upholding the fundamentals of journalism over the years.

“Elder Solomon Okpo in the 70s worked with the likes of my uncle, Chief Nduese Essien in the Nigerian Chronicles. He remains a bastion of knowdge that journalists should look up to be exposed to the fundamentals of journalism.”

Earlier in his remarks, the planning committee Secretary,  Mr Edifon Solomon said the aim of their visit was to formally invite the Governor’s aide to the 2024 thanksgiving of the NUJ holding at Qua Iboe church Ikot Ibiok.

“We are not just inviting you as an NUJ member but as A government official being the SSA on Research and Documentation, we hope that you’ll find time to attend the event, ” he added.