NDDC pledges partnership with NUJ for development in Akwa Ibom
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, to strengthen public enlightenment and promote development communication across the State.
Abasiandikan Nkono, Akwa Ibom State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), gave the assurance on Tuesday, when Nsibiet John, the NUJ Chairman, led members of the State Working Committee (SWC) on a courtesy visit to his office in Uyo.
Expressing delight at the Union’s achievements barely two months into office, the NDDC Commissioner said he had “seen a blueprint of success” in the team’s focused approach, professionalism and commitment to effective representation.
He noted that the NDDC under his watch had moved from transaction to transformation, focusing on sustainable infrastructural development and impactful interventions across communities and local government areas in Akwa Ibom State.
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Nkono urged journalists to remain factual, objective and transparent in their reportage, emphasizing that balanced and credible journalism fosters public trust and respect.
He also encouraged the Union to continue setting high professional standards, with the welfare of members as top priority.
Highlighting some of the Commission’s recent initiatives, Nkono announced that more than 10,000 youths across the Niger Delta had been trained in various vocational skills, each receiving a ₦50,000 monthly stipend for 12 months, alongside starter packs upon completion.
He further revealed that the NDDC had awarded foreign scholarships to three Akwa Ibom indigenes for studies in the United Kingdom and introduced local scholarship programs to empower more residents.
The NDDC boss also mentioned ongoing interventions in road construction and streetlight projects across the State.
In his remark, the NUJ Chairman, congratulated lauded Nkono’s commitment to service delivery and assured the Commissioner that, as a proud member of the Union, the NUJ had absolute confidence in his capacity to deliver on his mandate.
The Chairman reaffirmed the Union’s resolve to strengthen its partnership with the NDDC to promote sustainable development and public enlightenment on Government programs.
He also highlighted ongoing welfare initiatives for journalists, including the provision of work tools such as laptops, capacity-building programmes and the modernization of the NUJ Secretariat.
John further briefed the NDDC Commissioner on preparations for the upcoming 2025 NUJ Press Week, soliciting the Commission’s support and collaboration toward its success.
He commended Nkono for his friendliness and accessibility to journalists covering NDDC activities and reaffirmed the Union’s readiness to support the Commission’s agenda for societal growth and development.
