Imo govt to partner with OMPAN on media and publicity

From R-L, Ebere Inyama (pioneer chairman of OMPAN, Imo chapter,and publisher of Global News Alerts) Henry Uwalaka (publisher of the Educator newspaper,), Mrs Amaka Okafor ( SA to the governor on Electronic and new Media) , Mr. Ikechukwu Anyanwu, ( Chairman of OMPAN, Imo chapter and publisher of Arise Afrika Magazine)

Imo State Government has expressed its readiness to partner with Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Imo state chapter in the dissemination of information about government programmes.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Electronic and New Media, Mrs Amaka Okafor, made this known when she hosted the executives of the association in her office on Wednesday May 13,  2020.

Speaking during the meeting, the Special Adviser said too many people create platforms on the internet and claim that they are online practitioners and this has made it difficult for the members of the public to ascertain who the real practitioners are.

The SA expressed satisfaction that the meeting offered her opportunity to identify with the real online Media Practitioners in the state.

Responding to questions from members of OMPAN, Mrs Okafor said that her office is working on a strategy whereby a forum can be created to keep the people of the state abreast with the policies and programmes of the government.

She also said her office documents a Weekly Review of Government Programmes, adding that a feedback mechanism will be built into the government website so that people can as well make their contributions.

The SA assured that the governor will do his best to carry the people of Imo state along and to engage in people-oriented projects and programmes.

Mrs. Okafor formerly was a reporter for CHANNELS TV, during which time she covered Nigeria Defence beats in Mali, Liberia, Burkinafaso and later, Sambisa forest.  She also covered a beat at the National Assembly, and later, the  judiciary before her appointment as the SA on New Media to Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma.

In a vote of thanks, the Chairman of OMPAN, Imo Chapter, Mr. Ikechukwu Anyanwu commended the SA for considering to work with OMPAN and assured her that the association's competence to timely publish all government activities via credible online Media platforms.

It will be recalled that in on March 30 - 31, 2018, the National Convention of OMPAN took place in Owerri, Imo State and shortly after, various government and non - governmental organizations including the Nigeria Police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) set up a working relationshipwith the association.

Also present at the meeting were Mr. Henry Uwalaka, Amb Prince Ukwu, Hon Finnan Chuks, Chibueze Chukwukere, Obiajulu Okwuosa, Chukwuma Anurunkem and the pioneer chairman of the association, Mr. Ebere Inyama