The ARISE Agenda of Pastor Umo Eno, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, has received a boost with the inauguration of the leadership of its foremost support group, the ARISE Ambassadors.
In his acceptance speech, shortly after the inauguration of the state executive committee at the weekend, the pioneer chairman of the group, who is a former aide to former Governor Udom Emmanuel Rev Richard Peters, the group is to serve as a volunteer defense corp for the programmes, projects and policies of the government of the governor, by providing a detailed interpretation of government’s policies, activities and actions in a way that would foster understanding and garner the needed support of the people on such planned actions.
The group according to the chairman would serve as advocates for the ARISE Agenda by disseminating information on and about the agenda released by government media and publicity outfits through appropriate and available communication channels.
“As advocates, we will be primarily concerned with working and liaising with relevant agencies and ministries on showcasing daily events of the Governor across all media platforms, while providing answers to all public complaints and reservations where and when necessary on those communication channels.
“This will be done by staging regular public debates on radio and television to interface with the people while fielding feedback from them.
“Moreso, we will work assiduously, especially in the hinterlands, where access to social media is minimal, to build public support for the Governor’s ARISE agenda and to communicate the governor’s message to the public.
“Bearing in mind the often neglected rural populace after elections, we intend to reintegrate the rural dwellers into His Excellency’s agenda through the introduction of community tours, where community leaders will be engaged occasionally and kept abreast of the relevant information bothering on rural development.” He explained.
Peters said though the group would carry out its activities with civility and utmost respect for the rights of others, it would not fail to defend aggressively government policies and programmes against mischief makers.
“As stated in our policy statement, we are not for political campaigns, but created for the purposes of offering our civic and social responsibilities as well as advocating for good governance amongst other things.
“Although we will go about our activities peacefully, however, we will not blink our eyes against any person or group of persons who will deliberately want to insult and blackmail Governor Umo Eno.
“It is also essential that I mention here that we are not to undermine anyone as the group is open to all responsible and selfless supporters of Pst. Umo Eno. We are ready to partner with other groups that existed during the campaigns.” Peters said.
In his welcome remarks, the chairman of the Board of Trustees, BOT, Hon. Ernest Akpan said the new movement would remain a Think Tank that would play a key role in interpreting the Governor”s visionary plans aimed at propelling the state’s socio-economic growth and transforming the lives of indigenes and residents of the State.
Akpan charged the new EXCO to lead by example, demonstrating integrity, compassion and dedication to duties and working tirelessly to further the goals of the group adding that, “it is only through your hard work and commitment that we can truly make a difference in the lives of our fellow citizens.”
In a goodwill message, chairman of Ibom Airport Development Company and patron of the group, Prof Iniobong Essien described the group as a unique one since most of them are drawn from the media but called on the people of the state to take ownership and support govt for the mission to be accomplished.
He, however, called for proper funding of the group, to enable members to carry out their functions which he acknowledged has more to do with sensitising the grassroots on activities of government.
Goodwill messages were also received from the wife of a former military Governor of the state, Air Comm Idongesit Nkanga(rtd), Mrs Funmi Nkanga, and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
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