Chim aso alusa…
To work in Delta State Government House for 17 years as a Journalist is not an easy job. I was drafted from the Shobiz Desk where I was the editor and at the same time, covering the health, housing beats and others to move to the Office of the Deputy Governor of Delta State as The Pointer Correspondent in 2003.
We gave a voice to office of the Deputy Governor when Chief (Sir) Benjamin Sunday Chikwueweniwe Elue was in charge, and at the end of Chief James Onanefe Ibori’s administration in 2007, we continued with what we were doing with Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama (SAN). Whereas, Chief Elue (Alum) was the Deputy to Chief Ibori, Prof. Utuama (Agbala) was Deputy to the immediate past Governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.
Obviously, due to reports we were churning out from the Office of the Deputy Governor, Governor Uduaghan requested that I join him and of course, as a civil servant, the transfer was effected and we, yes, we because, an amazing young man with a mind for news, sharp eyes and fast fingers, Emeka Samuel Jibunor joined me on that movement from office of the Deputy Governorto the Office of the Governor. Emeka is a photo-journalist. It is important I acknowledge the roles played by Mr William Bozimo (Willy Bee) who worked with Chief Elue, Mr Austin Okwuolise of blessed memory and Mr Sunny Ogefere.
When Governor Okowa took over as Governor of Delta State in 2015, we continued with what God has given us, a gift of working patiently behind the scene, ensuring that the stories does not elicit negative reactions and projecting government positively to the world.
God has made it possible for me to receive a letter of appointment as Special Assistant (Media) to the Governor of Delta State and I wish to thank Him for using men of goodwill to make it possible. “But those who wait on the Lord, Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
My deep and sincere appreciation goes to the Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa for finding me worthy to serve in his administration as an appointee. We are aware that hard work does not kill and, he has also proven that a hard worker cannot go unnoticed, even when the person works behind the scene. Our dear Governor, renowned for keeping to your words, I say, THANK YOU.
Honestly, as a civil servant, I was conscious of the fact that I had stayed for so long in Government House as a Correspondent, but, the questions were, how do I leave? Who will take over from me? Will there be a recognisable vacuum?
I must appreciate the roles played by a detribalised Deltan who is a gift to humanity, Chief Godwill Obielum and a prayerful Priest, Rev. Fr. John Konyeke and all the Catholic faithful. I say thanks to my Mum too, Deaconness Mary, the Egugbos and all of you out there who have encouraged me in several ways.
To my General Manager, Mr Monday Uwagwu and the entire staff of The Pointer Newspapers and all the members of the NUJ within the state and beyond, thanks for your support over the years.
To those who have worked to make this appointment possible, especially, Messrs Charles Aniagwu, Olisa Ifeajika, Raymond Mgbakor and several others, I say, thank you and I wish to state that being the first to move from Chief of Bureau, Government House to political position, I will need your assistance, cooperation and prayers for me to excel so that I can set a good precedent for our Governor and Governors who are to come to see reasons to elevate civil servants to political positions.
Once again, I wholeheartedly accept to serve Deltans and humanity with this position as I believe that He that made it possible will make it a stepping stone for more opportunities to come through Christ our Lord. Amen.
God bless you all.