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By Patriot Dantes Odogwu.
A good product does not require much haggling; it will simply dazzle and eventually sell itself. Such description one would say clearly befits the man called Patrick Ukah; a man who no doubt is daily transforming into an established colossus in the information environment. But such accolades do not fly without a prize.
Not many may have expressed any surprises when Gov Okowa appointed Hon Ukah as Commissioner to man the Ministry of Information. Gov Okowa is a man widely reputed as possessing an in-depth understanding of the importance of the Ministry of Information ( via its channels of the television, radio, print and other components of the Mass Media) in shaping public perception, assessment and disposition to any Government of the day.
Moreover, in these days wherein the powerful Social Media has become populated by the voices of youths eager for dividends of Democracy cum responsible and responsive Governments, every Government is careful to select an Information Chief who interfaces with the audience of the Social Media with a mien laced with decorum, mutual respect, wit, innovation and expertise while equally delivering commendably on his traditional roles.
In all of these multifaceted and onerous tasks, Hon Ukah can be fairly adjudged as having not disappointed His Excellency and Deltans so far.
Before now, I have wondered why various Journalists of the private and independent media describe Hon Ukah as unassuming, sagacious, accommodating and expeditious in his dealings with them.
These Journalists will opine further that in this political dispensation, getting information on the activities of Government is one easy assignment because Hon Ukah is well known to constantly organize Press Briefings and Media Chats intended to keep Journalists- whom he respectfully regards as colleagues and critical stakeholders -abreast with the machinery and activities of Government and governance in the State.
I have worked very closely with the Hon Commissioner for a while now and I can reiterate confidently that the things said of him by Journalists are clear truths; after all, most independent or private media personnel have a reputation of not subscribing to contemptuous attempts to bar them from speaking their true minds due to any overt or subtle coercion or inducement.
Elatedly, the admirable stints and achievements of Hon Ukah have transcended the borders of the State into other parts of the Nation thereby attracting in the process, widespread commendations not just for him but for the State as a whole.
Worthy of note is that large chunks of these external commendations have come from leading lights of the opposition party at the Federal Level such as the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo and the Information Minister, Lai Muhammed.
We saw how he was able to put himself to task by arranging a platform aimed at facilitating Press Briefings to allow current Honourable Commissioners in Delta State interact and acquaint the general public with their stewardship thus far and also, make elucidations as to what Governor Okowa has been able to achieve through their various Ministries, Directorates and Agencies. Gladly, the Press Briefings was a huge success.
Without equivocation, many observers will attest to it that the process was truly enriching, engaging, enlightening, interactive, unravelling and rewarding.
As well- meaning Deltans, while we continuously will pray for God’ s grace in order for Hon Patrick Ukah to do much more, may I re-echo the widespread impressions and statements that I have been able to extract as SSA on New Media from Deltans both in the streets and online.
The sum of these impressions and statements is simply this: Deltans are excited and grateful that Gov Okowa gave us worthy information ambassador in the person of Hon Patrick Ukah
Dantes Odogwu is the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on New Media
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