The newly appointed Commissioner for Information, Strategy, and Orientation, Hon. Solomon Iorpev, has officially assumed office, attributing his rapid career advancement within the state’s administration to divine providence and the merit based leadership of Governor Hycinth Alia.
The Commissioner emphasized that his elevation demonstrates that political patronage and “godfathers” are not prerequisites for public service under the present administration.
He made this known Monday in makurdi as he resumed while addressing members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Benue state Chapter, management and staff of the ministry.
He pledged to run an all inclusive administration that integrates every media practitioner across the state saying no platform would be marginalized as their contribution is vital to the state’s communication architecture.
He further stated that to bridge existing communication gaps and strengthen public sector information flow, the ministry is set to roll out comprehensive training program for all state information officers to help them deliver well on their roles.
Speaking more on his strategic roadmap, Hon. Iorpev announced plans for weekly press briefings and quarterly interactive sessions with the Governor, to ensure transparency, in addition to a state wide media tour scheduled to commence soon. He said the initiative will take journalists across all local government areas to inspect ongoing projects, evaluate developmental progress, and report local realities to the world.
He also said, the ministry will modernize its digital presence by fully activating its official website, dynamic dashboard tracking system, and official social media channels to ensure real time public access to government data.
The Commissioner revealed that portfolios have being given to all the new commissioners adding that new ministries are being established to maximize the state’s economic potential citing the creation of Ministry of Mineral and Natural Resources aimed to explore mineral deposits in the state.
In a closing remark, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Ruth Ubwa, commended the State Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for joining the ministry’s management team to receive the new commissioner. She assured the visiting journalists that the ministry remains a second home for all media professionals in the state. She on behalf of management, pledged total loyalty and unalloyed support to the Commissioner’s strategic vision.
In his address, Chairman of the union ,Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, who led members of the State Executive Council (SEC) on a courtesy visit to the new commissioner clarified that the delegation’s presence was a solidarity visit aimed at reinforcing the strong partnership between the union and the state government.
He pledged the full cooperation of the media ecosystem, confirming that over 450 verified journalists across the state are fully prepared to collaborate with the ministry.
