Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso (4th from right) with the trainees.
By Our Reporter
Beneficiaries of the N1.6 million broadcast training grant have been charged to be worthy ambassadors of Akwa Ibom State and to demonstrate diligence and commitment at their imminent training at the National Broadcast Academy (NBA), Lagos.
The charge was given on Saturday, September 27, when cheques were officially presented to the eight beneficiaries by the donor, Dr. Essien Ekefre Ndueso, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, at a brief ceremony held at the Press Conference Centre, Government House, Uyo.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, the Chancellor of Coalition of Online Publishers Association, Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Utitofon Morgan, where in attendance at an event which saw some Governor’s media aides, Engr Solomon Eyo, Dr Imo Etimudo and Mr Emmanuel Akpabio rally support for their colleague.
Each of the beneficiaries Imaobong Akpantuen, Treasure Esop, Florence Essien, Utibe Johan, Ukpono Matthew, Mary Augustine Etim, Ubong Inyang, and Anthony Daniel received a grant of ₦200,000 to support their six-week professional broadcast training which begins on Monday, September 29.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Ndueso explained that the gesture was not borne out of excessive wealth, but his deep passion for professionalism in journalism and a desire to see young Akwa Ibom people equipped with skills to contribute positively to the society.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity and give back to the state through excellence in their chosen career paths.
“The Akwa Ibom State Governor has set a template in human capacity enhancement through the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Center, DASAC and the Ibom Leadership Entrepreneurial Development Centre.
“The essence is to equip people with set skills for the opportunities he is creating in the State.
“The Governor is about to commence the construction of an ultra modern digital Broadcast Station for the State-owned AKBC, and that place will need professionals in sync with the evolving trends in the industry”, he said.
The Chairman of NUJ), on his part, commended Dr. Ndueso for his commitment to youth empowerment and urged the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously, build meaningful networks, and avoid seeing the grant as political patronage but as an invitation to contribute meaningfully to society.
“Most people tend to misrepresent Dr Ndueso, but I am aware that he has been involved in several support schemes to young people in the State”.
“I am happy that there are some journalists who have been included in the training”, John further said, adding that his leadership was committed to promoting re-training for journalists in the State.
Similarly, the Chancellor of COOPA, applauded the initiative, describing it as a forward-thinking intervention that will not only equip young media practitioners but also strengthen the state’s image through professional storytelling.
He encouraged the trainees to use the opportunity to distinguish themselves among their peers.
Morgan said, “I have been a beneficiary of Dr Ndueso’s benevolence consistently for over seven years and I am pleased that he has not relented in extending the gesture.”
In addition to the ₦1.6 million grants, other dignitaries at the events including Mr. Solomon Eyo, Special Assistant to the Governor on MultiMedia and Web Management, Dr. Imoh Etim Udoh, Personal Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation; and Mr. Emma Akpabio, Personal Assistant on Media announced personal cash donations of ₦100,000 each to further encourage the beneficiaries.
One of the recipients, Florence Essien, speaking on behalf of her colleagues, expressed gratitude to Dr. Ndueso and pledged that the beneficiaries would represent Akwa Ibom State with distinction at the academy and beyond.
The NBA training, which covers courses in Broadcast Production, Presentation Techniques, Journalism and News Writing, Media Marketing, Broadcast Engineering, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and Digital Studio Management commences on Monday September 29, and lasts till November 7, 2025.
