Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, his counterpart in Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, have congratulated Mrs. Funke Egbemode on her emergence as the President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE).
Egbemode, who is the Managing Director of New Telegraph Newspapers, was officially confirmed as president of the NGE during the guild’s 12th annual conference in Port Harcourt last week.
In a statement by his Media Office in Abuja, Atiku described the election of Egbemode as timely, appropriate and well-deserved, adding that going by her contribution to the journalism profession, it was expected that she would eventually attain that highly-esteemed position.
He also said the entire members of the guild deserve accolade for the election which held peacefully and which has put a square peg in a square hole.
The Turaki Adamawa said further that the new guild president is a role model and has used her work as a journalist over the years to educate and entertain people thus winning more converts for the profession.
Also, Ambode in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said Egbemode over the years has proved her mettle in the profession, saying that her recent appointment was thoroughly deserving and an inspiration to other women striving to make a name in the profession.
“I have no doubt in my mind that the cap fits Egbemode. She has a proven track record of excellence in journalism, which has seen her rise through the ranks to the pinnacle of the profession”, the governor said.
Ambode also urged Egbemode to bring her wealth of experience to bear, not only in advancing the course of the guild, but also the journalism profession in general.
On his part, Okowa has congratulated urged Egbemode to ensure that editors continue to support efforts geared towards diversification of the Nigeria economy.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, Okowa described the emergence of Egbemode as a good omen for the journalism profession considering her wealth of experience and contributions to the enthronement of democracy through her numerous writings.
“As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of falling oil prices and insecurity in the Niger Delta, oil revenue has continued on the decline in the past two years.
Governments at all levels have been thinking on ways of creating other revenue sources. It is therefore a challenge on the NGE, to ensure that editors continue to suggest more ways of diversifying the economy through their editorial comments and feature writings,’’ he stated.
Also, Amosun described Egbemode’s emergence as the president of the guild as “a well deserved honour.”
He added: “Anyone who has followed the career path of Egbemode over the years will not be surprised at how far she has come in her chosen profession of journalism.”
The Ogun State governor also commended the NGE for electing Egbemode in a rancour-free process.
