Journalists from the Andoni extraction under the aegis of Andoni Practicing Journalists Association, APJA have been charged to proclaim the existence of the entity called Andoni to the entire world through their profession and by being its ambassadors of good works.
Executive Chairman of Andoni Local Government Council, Sir. Hon. Orom Nte Ereforokuma handed the charge to the association while presenting a car gift of 14 Seater Hiace Bus to the body at his Port Harcourt residence.
Ereforkuma, said the presentation of the vehicle was made to enhance smooth, speedy, effective and efficient delivery of services and in recognition of the fact that such organization exists in Andoni.
He enjoined the association to always promote Andoni through its professional ethics, recalling that Andoni harbours some of the nations source of survival in the areas of crude oil, tourism and Agriculture.
The chairman used the occasion to call on all to tap into the enormous resources available in Andoni land.
In a swift response, the Association thanked the chairman on his fulfilled promised, saying that, it was first of its kind, where journalists from the ethnic group were honoured with such gesture.
Chairman of the Association and staff of The Tide Newspaper, John Bibor had likened the exemplary leadership of the chairman to his late grand father, Ereforokuma.
Meanwhile, the Andoni PDP ward chairmen who witnessed the occasion had applauded the council boss for recognizing journalists from Andoni extraction, describing it as a noble step.
Spokes person of the chairmen and chairman of Andoni PDP ward 1, Mr. Gogo Ogwuichen has also called on the association to represent Andoni well in their presentations and daily coverage of activities within and outside the area.
However, there have been mixed reactions on the good will and intention of the chairman, as some say the gift of the vehicle is a sign of good things to come irrespective of the short period awaiting the tenure of the chairman.
Others maintain that the vehicle was meant to distract journalists.
To APJA, it is a welcome development and an eye opener for others who had served and those in coming to see reasons why associations like APJA should be empowered to function effectively.
It is on record that, while the administration of the pioneer PDP elected two term chairman, Pastor Hon. Mowon Owoh-Etete had failed in his promise of donating such vehicle to the then Obolo Practicing Journalists Association, OPJA, the incumbent administration of Hon. Orom Nte Ereforokuma has wipe away the stress and tears from the association and at the same time lays legacy for subsequent administrations.
This serves as a challenge to whoever that may take over the mantle from Ereforokuma, who has demonstrated his love not only for journalists, but for Andoni in general, especially by connecting certain part of Andoni to the National grid. ###
James Mgboineme
