Mr. Ini Ememobong, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Akwa Ibom State (Left) receiving Mr. Nsikan Essien, State Information Officer attached to the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, who won the 2021 Information Officer of the Year award at the Akwa Ibom State NUJ press week. (Photo credit MOI&S).
Lawrence Ekong, Uyo
It is no longer news that the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Information and Strategy, under the current leadership of Comrade Ini Ememobong has been on an impressive winning streak since the appointment of the Commissioner a little over a year ago, the latest being the emergence of Comrade Nsikan Essien as Best Information Officer at the just concluded 2021 Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ ) Press Week.
While receiving the award winning Officer in his office today, Monday, Ememobong said the Ministry was proud of Essien’s emergence, saying that the he would continue to sponsor necessary trainings in order to brush up Information Officers for the role they play in the development of the state.
He further called on Essien to reinvent his skill sets in order to remain on top of his game, adding that to whom much is given, much was also expected.
“We are proud of the work that you do, and we are convinced that this award will spur you up to other winnings ” Ememobong said.
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The Commissioner also announced that a lot of trainings have been earmarked for Information Officers, Cameramen, and other technical staff of the Ministry in the coming year.
Speaking, Comrade Essien said he was excited about the rare opportunity to do the Ministry proud, citing new innovations, training, and the ingenuity of the Commissioner as his motivating factors.
Comrade Nsikak Essien, who is covering the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Services ( AKIRS ) as his beat of Primary Assignment, was nominated for the Best Information Officer category alongside other officers, pulled an overwhelming votes to emerge winner, was subsequently presented with the plaque last Friday at the Emerald Event Center along Edet Akpan Avenue during the 2021 NUJ Dinner and Awards Night.
Meanwhile, Comr. Ememobong had earlier pronounced a handsome cash reward for the Best Information Officer category, which would be presented to the 2021 winner later this week .
