From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
Broadcast organisations in Bayelsa State have bestowed an award of the Best Media-Friendly Chief Press Secretary on Mr. Daniel Alabrah, spokesman of Governor Douye Diri.
The award was presented by the Forum of Heads of Broadcast Organisations in the state on Tuesday at the Ernest Ikoli Media Complex during a send-forth ceremony in honour of three members, two of which have retired, and one proceeding on transfer.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Alabrah expressed appreciation to the forum, describing the award as a pleasant surprise.
He said he was delighted that efforts to foster a seamless relationship between his office, the government and the media in the state had not gone unnoticed, saying the recognition will spur him to do more.
Alabrah described the broadcast media as an important aspect of society as it brings information, entertainment and education to the people in their homes and communities across the state.
He lauded the broadcast stations for their sacrifice, despite the challenging economic climate in the country, in ensuring that the policies and programmes of the Senator Diri administration were properly conveyed to people of the state.
Alabrah congratulated the retired General Managers, Mr. Fredrick Fabor of the state-owned Niger Delta Television (NDTV), and Mrs Daoju Whyte of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) as well as Mr. Udosen Udoh of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), who has been transfered to Rivers State, and wished them well in future endeavours.
He expressed the optimism that with their wealth of experience garnered over the years, their services would still be needed at even higher levels, and urged them to continue to mentor the younger ones in the media.
His words: “This award was really a surprise. Sometimes, the little things we do count.
“For the Forum of GMs of Broadcast Organisations to publicly acknowledge the work we do is a great honour. I appreciate the forum and thank you immensely for supporting our government. We deeply appreciate all you do.
“The media is an important aspect of society and your forum is an important arm of communication that cannot be overlooked. Broadcast is a medium that comes to you at home or in the car. It is also an important channel of communicating government policies to our people.
“I have equally observed that there is unity and singleness of purpose in your forum, and that is why you are making progress.”
In his remarks, the immediate past chairman of the forum, Mr. Fredrick Fabor, thanked members for their cooperation and the honour of leading them.
He stated that his exco worked as a unit and enjoyed the support of the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, who he said made their job easier at critical moments.
Fabor commended the state government for constructing the Ernest Ikoli Media Complex, which he described as one of the best in the country, and for equipping the state-owned radio and television stations with modern equipment.
In her remarks, the immediate past GM of NTA Yenagoa, Mrs. Daoju Whyte, said it was a defining moment for her having gone through the ranks and working with others.
She stressed the need for focus and perseverance among media professionals, noting that Bayelsa would always be home to her as she had her secondary education at the St. Judes Girls Secondary School in the state capital.
She also commended the governor and his spokesman for their support during her time at NTA.
In their goodwill messages, the Business Development Manager of Silverbird Communication, Mr. Oyins Egrenbido, and chairperson of the state chapter of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs Grace Orumieyefa, both expressed appreciation to the forum for positively impacting the younger generation through their programmes, and urged the association to be willing to offer advice to those in the profession whenever called upon.
Incoming chairman of the forum and Acting General Manager, Radio Bayelsa, Mr. Terence Ekiseh, expressed appreciation to the outgone chairman and the exco for leading the organisation well and promised to build on their achievements.
He equally lauded the governor’s Chief Press Secretary for his support to the forum and urged him not to relent.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of appreciation plaques to Fabor as Outstanding Chairman, Udoh as Outstanding Secretary, and Whyte as Outstanding Exco Member.
