Journalists are partners in Abia’s development, says Otti’s aid
The Abia Government has described journalists as key partners in the state’s development, commending their professionalism and objective reporting of government activities.
Dr Caleb Ajagba, the Chief of Staff (CoS) to Gov. Alex Otti, said this on Tuesday, when the leadership of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia Council, paid him a visit in his office at the Government House, Umuahia.
Ajagba said that the present administration recognised the media as a vital part of governance, adding that journalists play a crucial role in informing the public and promoting accountability.
“I have soft spot for journalists because I once worked with Classic Magazine and I know how hard journalists work, often without appreciation, to keep society informed,” he said.
He said the governor believed in transparency and freedom of information, hence his resolve to hold regular interaction with the media without restrictions.
“His Excellency believes in openness. He allows journalists to ask questions freely, even the difficult ones.
“That is part of the new political culture we are building in Abia,” Ajagba said.
He said the State Government was focused on creating prosperity through productive engagements rather than sharing handouts to people.
“The governor has not come to share money, but to create prosperity and true empowerment is about helping people to become productive, not dependent.
“That’s why you see that crime has reduced, people are becoming more engaged and self-reliant,” the CoS said.
He also said that Otti came fully prepared for leadership and was transforming the state through prudent management and visionary governance.
“Before his foray into politics, His Excellency was already fulfilled in his banking career.
“His decision to leave that position in 2014 to serve Abia was not driven by financial motivation, but genuine desire to give back to society,” he said.
Ajagba said that the administration had made visible progress in infrastructure, financial discipline and governance without borrowing since he assumed office.
“This is possible because of deliberate financial re-engineering and prudent management,” he said.
He also said that the people of Abia could now compare the past with the present and appreciate the difference in leadership quality.
“Those who created the problems of the past are the same people regrouping again.
“But Abians are wiser now. They can see the transparency and direction of this government,” he said.
He thanked the chapel for the visit and its objective coverage of government activities.
“We are bringing back the lost glory of Abia, we appreciate your partnership and ask you to continue to report the truth,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the chapel, Mr Steve Oko, lauded the governor for his developmental strides in his two years plus in office.
“Sir, journalists are not given to flattery and we are part of the system and have been here long enough to observe developments objectively.
“On behalf of the chapel, I wish to formally convey our appreciation to His Excellency, Gov. Alex Otti, for the developmental strides we have witnessed in the state,” Oko said.
He described Otti as a leader, who came with a clear vision for the transformation of Abia.
“From our observation as critical stakeholders, we can say without apology that his emergence was not a mistake.
“He came with a clear vision for the transformation of Abia,” Oko said.
He praised the administration’s taste for quality, pointing out that the changes in the Government House and other visible structures reflected a commitment to excellence.
“Anyone visiting the Government House can immediately see and feel the difference, the new and befitting structures, the ambience, and the sense of order all reflect a serious commitment to excellence.
“These are visible signs of a government that is truly focused on change,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of the chapel and explained that its members comprised representatives of media organisations with headquarters outside Abia.
“The chapel is the engine room and integral arm of the NUJ”.
“We work round the clock to ensure that activities in Abia receive adequate media coverage and reach audiences across Nigeria and beyond,” Oko said.
He expressed the chapel’s desire to strengthen collaboration with the government.