The National President of National Association of Electronic Media Presenters of Nigeria (NAEMPON), formerly NARTPON, Comrade Jerry Osuji, has admonished his members to pride integrity and Professional conduct as essential work tools to achieve greatness.
Comrade Osuji, dropped handed out this advice in his address at the occasion of the Association’s End-Of-The -Year Party, On Sunday 10th December, 2023, at Concord Hotel, Owerri.
His Address read in parts: – “It is with utmost excitement that I welcome you, great colleagues and partners to this unique gathering – Naempon 2023 End of the Year Party.
The event is unique because this is the first time we as broadcast journalists are coming together under an organized setting at the end of the year to wine, dine, appreciate Gods unfailing grace upon us while also reappraising our commitment to our great Association.
It is worthy of note that what we call NAEMPON today actually started as Association of Imo State Radio and Television Presenters, AIR-TP with our first anniversary on Friday 7th October, 2022 following the inauguration of the Executive committee after 185 members voted at a free and fair election.
It is worthy of note also, that AIR-TP was a first of its kind because before its emergence, there was no association strictly for Radio and Television Presenters in Nigeria.
Our key objectives of restoration of the dignity of Presenters and C capacity enhancement of members led to the well-attended first anniversary event which included seminars featuring lectures by notable media professionals within and outside Nigeria which climaxed with a Dinner and Awards Night.
Same feat was replicated nearly two months ago when we held our 2nd Anniversary Dinner Party and Award night. Recall that within our two years as the pioneer Executive we have also held two editions of ‘’Meet Your Favorite Radio and Television Presenters”, my administration’s initiative designed to create a physical synergy between us as presenters and our teeming audience.
The events are historic because this is the first time in Nigeria that Radio and Television Presenters and their fans are coming together under one roof to interact.
Remarkably, after our First anniversary came our rebirth as National Association of Radio and Television Presenters of Nigeria following our alignment with the Trade Union Congress which stipulated a National outlook and our presence in at least 5 states in the South East as precondition to our final registration.
This mandate informed my administration’s setting up of the Chapter Formation and Inauguration Committee ( CFIC), headed by the Publicity Secretary, Salvator Amadi and Prince Iheanetu Clarkson Evans as the Secretary. The effort of the CFIC translated to the formation and subsequent inauguration of the Abia State Chapter of our Association on the 3rd of February this year, while the Ebonyi and Anambra Chapters are scheduled for inauguration in the First quarter of 2024.
As you are aware, only recently NARTPON upgraded to NAEMPON- National Association of Electronic Media Presenters of Nigeria.
The development followed discussions on the need for distinction between the Association and Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU). While the full details are not unknown to you, suffice it to appreciate the God of the Presenters that finally our nascent Association can breathe.
Special thanks must be given to the State Chairman of our parent Body, the TUC, Comrade Engr Ibe Great Uchenna; the Directorate of State Security (DSS); the State Police Command and other critical individuals and organizations for standing by my leadership and the Association all through the period of ordeal.
Significantly, the last two years of the existence of NAEMPON have been as eventful as they were ful of landmark achievements.
These two years have yielded desirable results in improving the proficiency of members through trainings such as the lectures delivered by: 1. Alex Nwahiri – The Tv/Radio Presenter: The Most Critical Actor in the Media Industry; 2. Dr Ugorji O. Ugorji – Security and Strategic Communication: Towards a Partnership Between The State Government and Presenters; 3. Prof. Samuel Ezeanyika of Imo State University- Ethical Reportage During Elections, among others. Among our achievements are financial support to members either in celebration or bereavement. You can name them.
Also taken is the initiative to restore the dignity of Electronic Media Presenters while creating a spirit of comrade among us, as is being observed in the state in the last two year. This is made manifest by the fact that NAEMPON is a first of its kind since before its emergence, there was no association strictly for Radio and Television Presenters in Nigeria.
a mark of our avowed transparency in the administration of the Association we have opened a current account bearing the Association’s name with the FCMB.
And all monies accruing to the NAEMPON either as dues, levies, donations or grants are now made through our bank account. On this note I sincerely commend our Association’s Treasurer, Mrs Ifeyinwa Akubuo and the Financial Secretary Princess Vivien Unegbu for painstakingly filling the gap for us while the process of bank account opening as a new association lasted.
While it is not my intention to bore you with our achievements within the years under review, suffice it to say that we are today taking that commitment to another level as we unfold another process of saying THANK YOU to members, associates and organizations who show exceptional capacity and capabilities in their relationship with our associations. Whereas a good number has done well in this aspect, we shall begin the reward effort with just 8 of them today, but will definitely ensure it gets to others subsequently.
The Categories are: 1. Most Punctual Member of the last 2 years; 2. Most Resourceful member of the last 2 years; 3. Most Dedicated member of the Association in the last 2 Years; 4. Best EXCO member of the last 2 years; 5 Special Appointee of the last 2 year; 6. Most Supportive Presenter of the last 2 years; 7. Most Supportive Radio Station in the last 2 years; 8. Most Supportive FM Station Director of the last 2 year.
Mention must be made that the Gifts to be presented to the winners selected by a 3-man Selection Q Committee of the House were donated by the MD/CEO of EmmaDine Bakery Orji, makers of Emmadine Bread. As we look forward to a more eventful and action-packed year 2024, it is only just and proper that we express profound gratitude to all the personalities, Corporate Bodies and Organizations that have supported us financially in all our activities.
These include but not limited to Chief Mrs. Ruby Emele,Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Imo State Government through Chief Declan Emelumba, Commissioner for Information and Strategy; Sir Stanley Amuchie; Evangelist Bertram Uzodinma, Chairman /CEO of Fratelo Properties; Okenze S.I. Obinna, Okenze Ngor Okpala Local Government; among others.
The Chairman of the End-of -the Year Party Committee, Comrade Sunny Idika( Nnaamen) and members are commended for putting this event together, while kudos also goes to all the members who gave their widow’s might in response to the call for free-will donations. All your effort must be rewarded one way or another. To my Exco members I appreciate our unity of purpose which has ultimately translated to verifiable achievements. Permit me to call for its sustenance.
To all our partners, especially the Publishers, I thank you for all the support. We cannot thank you enough, which is the reason we have invited you specifically, to dine with us. As we celebrate among ourselves today, let us take a pause to reflect and reappraise our individual and collective sacrifices and contributions to this 2 and Half years child, NAEMPON.
Is it failure, pass mark or credit pass? This will guide us to take the right decisions towards our professional body and work towards more improvements next year. On my own part as your Leader and President, I pledge NEVER to dime this light you collectively entrusted with me, in Jesus name. Amen. Merry Christmas great NAEMPONITES and Happy New Year in advance.
