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Journalists in the employment of the Akwa Ibom State Government who were previously excluded from receiving weigh-in allowance will henceforth benefit from the payment.
The governor gave the directive while receiving the executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, on a courtesy visit at Government House, Uyo.
Governor Eno said the extension of the allowance was necessary to ensure equity among government-employed journalists, especially as some officers were already enjoying the benefit.
He acknowledged the demanding nature of journalists’ responsibilities, particularly members of the Government House Press Corps, noting that they often work beyond regular office hours in the course of covering official engagements.
“I have been informed that some journalists are already receiving the weigh-in allowance. If others were omitted, the benefit should be extended to them. I therefore direct the Head of Civil Service to ensure immediate implementation,” the governor said.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers and citizens, saying his government would continue to deliver on its promises under the ARISE Agenda through deliberate and sustained development efforts.
He stressed that the achievements being recorded across sectors were products of intentional leadership, adding that sustainable development could not be left to chance.
Highlighting some of the administration’s recent milestones, Eno cited the arrival of the first batch of 20 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses as part of ongoing efforts to improve public transportation and reduce commuting costs for residents.
Congratulating the new NUJ leadership on its election, the governor commended the union for its continued partnership with his administration and urged journalists to sustain responsible reportage that would support the state’s development aspirations, particularly its drive to position Akwa Ibom as a leading tourism destination.
Earlier, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, had appealed to the Governor to approve the payment of weigh-in allowance for Information Officers and journalists in the State Ministry of Information and the Akwa Ibom State Newspapers Corporation,
John, who noted that the affected personnel had continued to render essential services outside regular working hours without the corresponding remuneration, however, expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for his administration’s support for the media and pledged the Union’s continued collaboration towards the success of the government’s development agenda.
He described the governor as one of the country’s most media-friendly leaders, citing the completion of the long-abandoned Patience Umo Eno Hall at the NUJ Press Centre after about 18 years, the donation of brand-new vehicles to the immediate past state executive of the union, and the appointment of journalists into key positions in government.
The state NUJ Chairman assured the governor that the union would sustain its campaign against fake news and quack journalism while remaining a dependable partner in promoting the state’s development agenda.
