KOGI State Commissioner
of Information, Dr Tom Ohikere, has bagged the fellowship
award of the Civilian Institute of Democratic Administration
of Nigeria based on his contribution towards sustainable
democracy.
The institute is a
Non-Governmental Organization [NGO] involved in the promotion
of high productive value among officials of government which
conferred awards on states government and individuals who have
contributed to the success of the nation’s democracy.
In a chat with newsmen
shortly after he received the award, the commissioner
commended the institute for finding him worthy for the
fellowship award, adding that the award would further
encourage him to work harder in promoting the value of
democracy.
Dr Ohikere then
dedicated the award to the entire working journalists in the
state, adding that without the support of the press, he will
not be able to achieve any meaningful success as the spokesman
of the state government.
He commended the press
for its contribution towards the present democracy, saying: "I
must thank you all for the positive coverage of the state,
which have resulted to the award conferred on me by this great
institute".
The commissioner,
therefore, noted that in the proposed 2009 budget of the state
government, adequate provision will be made for the welfare of
the media men, adding that the administration of Governor
Ibrahim Idris is highly committed to the welfare of the
journalists and the government is ever ready to partner with
the press for the rapid socio-economic development of the
state.
In his response, the
state chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji
Ibrahim Isa-Amoka, described the commissioner as God-sent who
had come to re-position the media industry in the state to a
greater level, promising that the press would give him the
necessary support to enable him succeed in his duties.
