The Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) has been urged to collaborate with the state government in effectively promoting Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
The call was made on Wednesday when COOPA members paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Information,Rt. Hon Umanah, at his office in Uyo.
Describing online publishers as critical and strategic partners in the administration’s e-governance drive, Commissioner Umanah emphasized the importance of digital media in amplifying the achievements of the state government.
He highlighted some of the administration’s key accomplishments and urged COOPA to play an active role in reporting its development strides.
He assured the group of the Ministry’s commitment to partnering with COOPA in delivering the message of the ARISE Agenda, which is focused on ensuring that every part of the state experiences meaningful development. Acknowledging the influence of new media in real-time information dissemination, the Commissioner noted that the recent creation of the Department of New Media and Strategy in the Ministry of Information, approved by the Governor, demonstrates the state government’s commitment to ICT and digital transformation, a key component of the ARISE Agenda.
“I must commend you for your work in highlighting the Governor’s development efforts,” Umanah stated. “Among the 17 focal areas of the ARISE Agenda, ICT and digital transformation are central. His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, is digitally driven, and his government is actively promoting e-governance. A recent example is the state’s procurement portal, where over 400 jobs will be made available to Akwa Ibom people. It is crucial that you continue to promote a positive, truthful, and factual narrative about Akwa Ibom State. Let’s stay on the path of truth and objectivity,” he added.
He further briefed COOPA on the administration’s milestones, assuring them of the government’s support in enabling them to effectively carry out their duties.
Earlier, the Chancellor of COOPA, Comrade Utitofon Morgan, expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for the warm reception and congratulated him on his appointment as the state’s Information Commissioner. Morgan pledged COOPA’s readiness to work with the Ministry of Information in projecting the achievements of the Umo Eno-led administration.
He commended the Commissioner’s innovative approach to information dissemination, particularly the establishment of the Directorate of New Media and Strategy.
He also announced COOPA’s 10th-anniversary celebration in November, which will include a tour of rural communities to assess development impacts. However, he highlighted some challenges facing online publishers in the state and appealed for government support.
In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Akparawa James Edet, congratulated COOPA on its achievements over the years and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the association.
“I recall some 15 years ago when you started. Many of us in the mainstream media saw you as competitors, even as threats. When Ekah and Morgan began this movement, not many saw the potential in it. But today, we are partners. Governor Umo Eno has made this job easier, because when you have a good product, it’s easy to market,” he noted.
Present at the meeting were the Special Assistant to the Governor on Multimedia and Website, Mr. Solomon Eyo, and Directors of the Ministry of Information.
Representing COOPA were Mr. Utitofon Morgan (Chancellor), Prince Simeon (Deputy Chancellor), Mr. Uwakmfon Dan (Public Relations Officer), Mr. Nelson NseAbasi (Secretary, Board of Trustees), Mr. Aniekan Ekah (Immediate Past Deputy Chancellor), Ms. Itoro Bassey (Assistant PRO), and Comrade Udeme Utip (Chairperson, COOPA Women’s Committee), among others.
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