The Newspaper Publishers Association of Nigeria, NEWSPAN Ebonyi State chapter, has commended the leadership style of Governor Francis Nwifuru, especially his empowerment programs since he assumed office.
This was contained in a communique endorsed and made available to journalists by the State Acting Chairman of the NEWSPAN, Comrade Israel Mbam, yesterday in Abakaliki.
According to the communique, the members of the media organization in their emergency meeting in the state, discussed issues affecting them, looked at the current economic challenges facing Nigeria citizens, and carefully evaluated the leadership impacts of the Ebonyi State government, under the watch of the Governor Francis Nwifuru since he assumed office.
"NEWSPAN members objectively analyzed the above issues and stressed on need for the government at all levels to prioritize the welfare of the citizens, especially at this critical time in the nation's economy.
"We noted with enthusiasm, the lofty imprint of Governor Francis Nwifuru's administration in virtually, all the critical sectors of the state, especially in areas of welfare and empowerment.
"We commended the governor for his daunting efforts in repositioning the civil service and lifting of ban on employment in the state after eight years of no waiver for employment in the State.
"The Association noted with great delight, the Governor’s quest for youth liberation and emancipation through massive youth empowerment and inclusion in his administration which has placed the youths on the fulcrum of his administration.
"We are gladdened for the present leadership in Ebonyi to have rejuvenated the health system in the state by making the health services accessible to the citizens, especially the rural women, children, and vulnerable people.
"To us, the governor, notwithstanding has shown capacity in revitalizing the Education system, where he reduced tuition fees of Ebonyi undergraduates, increased the salaries of lecturers, and increment of subvention of the state tertiary institutions.
"Also, worth noting is the massive infrastructural development in all parts of the state.
"On challenges confronting members of NEWSPAN in the State, we crave the indulgence of the Governor to consider the plights of our members and include NEWSPAN in the ongoing empowerment programs in the state or possibly approve monthly subvention for the association to aid regular publication, coverage, and projection of government activities in the State.
"As partners in progress, we wish to assure His Excellency the State Governor of the continued support of our members in objectively projecting and publicizing the programs and politics of his administration, in line with the ethics of the media profession," part of the communique read.
