Chinedum Treasure
Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor has tasked Information Officers in the state to sensitize people about the recently launched Joint Security Operation tagged ‘Operation Udo Ga-Achi’ unveiled by Governor Chukwuma Soludo to address insecurity challenges in the state and to ensure crime-free yuletide.
He also motivated some staff with cash awards which he said was to accomplish promise he made to the officers on assumption of office four months ago.
Speaking during the End of Year Get Together/Award Winning Day held by the Ministry at Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, Mefor insisted here was no hiding place for criminals in the State, saying time had passed when people could live in the bush.
He said, “Let everyone know that time has passed when people can live in the bush. Stealing, kidnapping, killing people, and extorting money under the guise that they are agitators or ESN fighting for the release of Nnamdi Kanu or protecting the South East.
“If you see something, say something, because the person free today may be a victim tomorrow. Disseminate the information. In the case of danger, call 5111; it is a toll-free phone number, and the persons managing the line have a good reputation for protecting people’s identity with utmost confidentiality.
“I’m present in this ocassion to accomplish the promise I made to the information officers four months ago when I assumed office as the commissioner. I was brought in to re-jig the ministry and those who were willing to give their best would be highly motivated.
“It is not ‘Ike Otuonye’; rather, it has been collective efforts. Solidarity made you available here from September 17, 2024, till now, 4 months and 2 days since I came on board. If you had not been writing, the bulletin that the ministry publishes every week wouldn’t have been coming out up to the current 9th edition.
“Two committees have been established to ensure that Anambra people and the world are abreast of the good works, developments, programs, and projects accomplished by the present Soludo-led administration in different sectors of the state. One committee is at MOI headquarters, and another one is at ABS for our weekly live radio/TV interactive programs.”
The Commissioner further reviewed the performance sheet of the information officers with reference to the number of reports they send in from their various stations.
He commended those who endeavored to send in their news stories for the bulletin, Facebook, Instagram, x handle, and website publication platforms but frowned at those information officers who did not bother to file in stories.
“The primary role of the IOs is to collect information, not just a management role of the Public Relations Officer (image makers). Let’s reorganize our thoughts and approach the work with new zeal because even the governor is interested in seeing your individual performances,” he quipped.
Highlights of the event were the pronouncement of the Commissioner’s Prize winners/best news reporters with the highest number of stories. The Big Three include Juliana Nwachukwu (1st position), Chizoba Okeke (2nd position), and Ugwunze Uzochukwu (3rd position).
Other Commissioners Prize awardees include Obiageli Nwankwo, Ifeyinwa Ogwo, Michael Ezenwata, Chukwuka Ugokwe, Chukwudi Nwauba, Uche Kalu, and Nnedimma Okeke.
Earlier, Director’s Prize Award recipients were Regina Igwebuike (Best Editor), Uche Kalu (Most Hardworking HQ Staff), and Uchechi Emmanuella Okani (Most Punctual HQ Staff).
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