The publisher of Straightnews fame has been appointed a patron of Coalition of Online Publishers Association (COOPA), Akwa Ibom State.
He is Israel Umoh, a one-time Chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council as well as Associate member of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
The Chancellor of COOPA, Mr. Ifreke Nseowo-Connoisseur announced this Wednesday during media interaction between Mr. Emmanuel Sam, Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media and members of the body in Uyo.
Nseowo who marked his birthday anniversary same day said the COOPA has waved all the registration formalities to admit Umoh into the body as a tested, hardworking and experienced journalist over the years, saying the body would formally install him as their patron on a date to be announced.
He applauded the publisher of Straightnews, an online newspaper for his consistency and resilience in publishing daily and regularly, hoping he would bring his experience in journalism and public office to bear on COOPA to lifting it to an enviable height.
Speaking at the event, the Chancellor of COOPA congratulated the Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media on his appointment, expressing optimism on the need to cement the bond between Online Publishers and the government.
Nseowo urged the SA to remain resolute in his quest for excellence and work assiduously to better the existing relationship between the government and state-based online media professionals.
He, however, assured that he would appeal for consideration and government patronage in terms of advertorials for online publishers in the state.
In his response, Sam reiterated the state government’s resolve to partner online publishers towards achieving promotion and projection of development strides of the Governor Udom Emmanuel administration.
He said the media interaction became necessary as government recognizes the important role played by online publishers in the society, particularly as Emmanuel has already hit the ground and running with his administration’s “Completion Agenda.”
“We have to join hands to move Akwa Ibom State forward. I solicit your cooperation as the image of the government lies in the content of your reports.
“Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration has surpassed superior performance in the areas of job creation, poverty alleviation, wealth creation, economic and political inclusion and infrastructural consolidation and expansion,” he said.
Others who spoke were Aniekan James Ekah, Akwa Ibom’s pioneer blogger and publisher of www.wetinhappen.com.ng; Utitofon Morgan Ukpong, publisher of Sitippe.com; and Abasiubong Tom of NextReporters.com, among other media professionals.
