Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has commended the state owned newspaper, The Pioneer, for helping to define and redefine the state’s character and identity.
The governor spoke on the occasion of the 30 years anniversary of the newspaper.
The celebration which started with a thanksgiving service at the Qua Iboe Church in Uyo, climaxed with a lecture and award night on Wednesday, the exact day and month the newspaper hit the news stand in 1988.
The governor praised the management of the newspaper, led by Mr Umoette Umoette, for sustaining the mission of the newspaper.
He expressed delight that The Pioneer was not only still standing strong, but thriving due to the courage and dedication to duty by the past and present management as well as staff of the establishment .
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo, called on the media community to partner the state government on its development strides.
“Let us disagree on policies without adopting the kitchen sink approach, let us build our state irrespective of our political leanings, let us celebrate our common values and where there is need to disagree, let us do with love and mutual respect,” he said.
Also present at the occasion was the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Charles Udoh, who stated that the newspaper had contributed greatly to the growth and development of both the state and the country.
The information boss lauded the progenitor of the newspaper, Mr. Moses Ekpo, the current Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, who was the Commissioner for Information during the military administration of Col. Tunde Ogbeha in Akwa Ibom State which established the newspaper.
He added that it was pleasing for him to share in the euphoria while in the saddle as the number two citizen of the state.
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The member for Onna State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Mr. Nse Essien, noted that The Pioneer, which was established on the basis of leadership and service, had not deviated from the vision of its founding fathers and called on other media establishments to emulate the newspaper for responsible press as against yellow journalism.
The chairman on the occasion, Professor Enefiok Essien, said at 30 the medium had done great things and congratulated the staff for their hardwork and dedication to service.
Essien, who is the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), commended the past state military administrators and governors for their foresight and for sustaining the newspaper to live beyond its name.
He described the tabloid as a credible news medium which had enjoyed good circulation within the state and beyond.
