Pioneer Chapel Passes Vote of Appreciation on NUJ Boss

As the present leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council enters into its second year in office, its Chairman, Elder Patrick Albert has continued to receive accolades and applauses by members on his sterling performances and leadership acumen.

The latest came from his Chapel, The Pioneer at its January Congress held recently in the Features Room of the Akwa Ibom Newspaper Corporation, Information Drive, Uyo during which stakeholders and members applauded him for performing creditably well since assumption of office on August 1, 2013.

Albert’s commendations were based on his ability to draw dividends of governance from the Akwa Ibom State government to members of the Union in the State, with The Pioneer Chapel inclusive, ranging from Toyota Hiace buses for Chapels, GOTV Decoders and Laptops for members in the 13 Chapels that make up the Union in the State as well as Forum of Past Chairmen, League of Veterans Journalists and Planet FM.

Speaking at the Congress, the former Secretary of NUJ in Akwa Ibom State Council and a stakeholder in the Chapel, Obong Ime Isuaikoh enumerated some of the achievements of Albert in the last one year and some months of his administration, and commended him for the feats.

Elder Patrick Albert, NUJ Chairman, AKS

Isuaikoh pointed out that there was need for The Pioneer Chapel which Albert belongs, to celebrate his achievements regularly as their own, as he has made the Chapel proud in offering quality leadership at the State Council.

He maintained that though Albert has done a lot for the Union and members, it behooves on him to do more for his own Chapel, The Pioneer, bearing in mind that the members are his backbone.

The former State Secretary appealed to the NUJ Chairman to pay particular attention to his Chapel and to ensure that the members are always carried along in his scheme of things in the Union at the state level.

Isuaikoh, who heads The Pioneer Newspapers’ Crime Desk, opined that the leadership of the Union should liaise with other parastatals that operate at the Information Drive, Uyo and see how they could offer remedial repairs of the road and make it better for use while waiting for the State Government. He said these acts would add credits to him as the Chairman of NUJ.

The Group sub editor and a stakeholder in the chapel, Mr. Oquong Otioro, a lawyer, also applauded the performance of Albert in the state council and for making members of the Chapel benefit from the state government’s largesse, while also encouraging him to do more for his Chapel.

Otioro reminded members of the Chapel to rally round Albert whom they voted to office more than a year ago, and give him the necessary support and encouragements.

The chairman of the Chapel, Mr. Lawrence Okorie in his remarks, thanked Albert for finding time to attend the first Congress convened by the new leadership of the Chapel and assured him of support and loyalty.

 The Head, Business Desk, Mr. Dominic Akpan acknowledged that he was a beneficiary of Albert’s leadership in the Union and thanked him for his assistance.

 Responding, Albert appreciated the Chapel and members for their words of encouragement and support. He assured the Chapel of his commitment to work for the overall interest of members in the State Council, adding that he will close any gap between him and members and also do more for his Chapel.

He listed his various achievements since he came on board and the impacts and waves he has made for the NUJ in the State and national level but noted that the successes were not by his might, but by the sufficient grace of the Almighty God.

Albert stated through members’ support and cooperation, the Union is becoming more visible as well as attracting its due in regards to programmes and members’ welfare.

He recalled his achievements as chairman of The Pioneer Chapel few years ago and the innovations he brought into his leadership which led to the rebirth of the Chapel from what it was previously.

The NUJ chairman pointed out that he has introduced similar innovations into his leadership in the Union at the State Council which is why he is recording successes, mentioning among others, the regular solemn assembly and thanksgiving services which benefits he said, were enormous, as God has blessed NUJ in the state through his hands.

Albert recalled his decision and vision of not operating in isolation when he came into office in 2013 after considering the role and achievements of past NUJ chairmen in their own capacity, and so brought them together, by involving them and carrying them along in his leadership, saying, “Today, you can see the unity in NUJ”.

He assured that the proposed Godswill Akpabio International Press Center is receiving attention and will commence soon.

At the Congress, the Chapel passed a vote of appreciation on the Chairman, Elder Patrick Albert and prayed God to give him more strength to develop the Union.