By Sunday Apah
The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Nkem Nwaeke, has solicited the support of media practitioners in promoting the activities of the State House of Assembly and in supporting the Speaker’s office in the leadership of the 8th Assembly.
Mr. Nwaeke made this appeal on Monday during a breakfast meeting with Assembly Correspondents and other journalists in the state, held at his residence in Asaba, as part of the Christmas and end-of-year celebrations.
Addressing a gathering that included several publishers, Mr. Nwaeke explained that the breakfast meeting was necessary to strengthen the existing bond between him and his colleagues in the journalism profession.
He noted that all attendees have collaborated closely with him to ensure his success in his role.
Recalling his appointment as Chief Press Secretary by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, on December 19, 2023, Mr. Nwaeke emphasized that he could not have fulfilled his duties as CPS without the support of his family and media practitioners.
He said: “I recall that fateful day when the House was about to adjourn for the year, and Mr. Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, announced my appointment as his Chief Press Secretary.
“It came as a surprise to many, but I immediately resolved to carry everyone along, especially since most of us have worked closely over the years. My appointment as CPS can never separate us.
“This breakfast is my small way of appreciating everyone for supporting me since my assumption of office as the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Right Honorable Emomotimi Guwor. I want to assure you that come 2025, we will continue to synergize and work together.”
Mr. Nwaeke thanked his principal, Rt. Hon. Guwor, for approving the hosting of his colleagues, and he appreciated him for always recognizing the media’s efforts in reporting on the Assembly.
The CPS solicited continued collaboration from journalists in portraying the Speaker and the State legislature in a positive light.
He particularly commended the resilience of the Correspondents covering the House of Assembly beat, stating that their tireless efforts have earned them ongoing recognition from the Speaker.
“Let me take this opportunity to appreciate my boss, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, for his support and understanding while carrying out assigned duties.
“His constant recognition of the press in giving visibility to the activities of the House is a morale boost, and I appreciate that immensely. I want to solicit your collaboration as we continue to work as a team,” Nwaeke stated.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Chapter, Comrade Churchill Oyovwe, expressed gratitude to Mr. Nkem Nwaeke and his wife, Mrs. Mary Nwaeke, for hosting journalists at the breakfast meeting, calling it a commendable initiative.
Comrade Oyovwe recounted his years of acquaintance with Mr. Nkem Nwaeke from their university days at Delta State University, Abraka. He urged media practitioners in the state to embrace a culture of supporting one another, irrespective of political appointments or affiliations.
“I have known Nkem Nwaeke since our school days at Delta State University, Abraka, as a hardworking man who knows his responsibilities. He was among the few in our set to graduate with a Second Class Upper (2:1). I know him as a capable man who will always deliver.
“Let me take this opportunity to appeal to our colleagues to support one another regardless of circumstances because, in doing so, we all succeed. If the CPS fails, we as journalists have also failed; if he succeeds, we have also succeeded,” Oyovwe said.
In their goodwill messages, several veterans in the journalism profession, including Mr. Augustine Ogwuda of Townhall Online, Ebere Obiakor of AIT, Comrade Pere Botu, Chairman of NUJ DBS Asaba chapel, and Austine Akanigha, among others, praised Mr. Nkem Nwaeke for his hard work over the years and for maintaining a good working relationship with colleagues across the board.
The breakfast meeting was attended by a diverse group of journalists from broadcast stations, newspapers, and online publications in the state.
