NEWS
Okey Kanu Applauds NUJ Information Chapel’s Capacity-Building Initiative Ahead of 2026 Press Week
Okey Kanu Applauds NUJ Information Chapel’s Capacity-Building Initiative Ahead of 2026 Press Week
The Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ministry of Information Chapel, for its commitment to professional development through the planned capacity-building workshop scheduled as part of its 2026 Press Week activities.
Prince Kanu gave the commendation when he received a delegation of the Chapel’s leadership and members of the 2026 Press Week Planning Committee at his office in Umuahia.
The Commissioner stressed the importance of continuous training and retraining of Information Officers, describing them as critical stakeholders in the dissemination of accurate and timely government information. He noted that the evolving demands of public communication require officers to continually update their knowledge and skills, particularly in the area of information and communication technology.
According to him, the administration of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, remains committed to implementing digitally driven public service reforms, making capacity-building programmes an indispensable component of effective governance and service delivery.
Prince Kanu expressed satisfaction with the carefully selected topics for the Press Week, noting that digital literacy has become a necessity for every public information manager. He emphasized that adapting to modern technological realities is essential for anyone seeking to function effectively within the framework of the New Abia agenda.
He assured the leadership of the Chapel of his support and cooperation towards the successful hosting of the event.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu, lauded the Chapel’s leadership for prioritizing training and professional development. He described the initiative as complementary to the broader efforts of the Ministry and the state government in strengthening institutional capacity across the civil service.
Sir Onwuegbu urged Information Officers to redouble their efforts in government information management, noting that the training programmes lined up for the Press Week would significantly enhance their efficiency and effectiveness.
He further stated that Governor Alex Otti’s reform-driven agenda has transformed the civil service into a more conducive environment for productivity and professionalism, adding that civil servants owe the administration unwavering dedication and commitment to quality service delivery.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ Ministry of Information Chapel, Comrade Chidinma Enyinnaya, informed the Commissioner that the visit was aimed at formally notifying him of the forthcoming 2026 Press Week, scheduled to hold from July 5 to July 8, 2026.
She disclosed that the theme of the Press Week is Media and Good Governance: The New Abia in Perspective, adding that the programme is designed primarily to promote training and capacity building among Information Officers and media practitioners.
Providing details of the activities, Comrade Enyinnaya explained that the event will commence on Sunday, July 5, with a thanksgiving service at Methodist Church Nigeria, Wesley Cathedral, Crowther Street, Umuahia.
The second day will feature a capacity-building workshop with presentations on The ICT and Information Dissemination in the New Abia and The Place of the Information Officers in the New Abia. The lectures will be delivered by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Comrade Samuel Obinna Igwe, and former State Director of Information, Chief Ikechukwu Odoemelam, respectively.
The grand finale, slated for July 8, will feature a keynote lecture by the Station Manager of Flo FM, Mr. Sampson Eze, alongside recognition awards and other activities marking the conclusion of the Press Week.
Comrade Enyinnaya also used the opportunity to appreciate Governor Alex Otti for the numerous developmental projects being executed across the state and for implementing civil service-friendly policies that have strengthened the confidence and effectiveness of Information Officers in carrying out their responsibilities.
She equally expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for Information and the Permanent Secretary for their continued support and commitment to the welfare and professional advancement of Information Officers in Abia State.
