The General Manager of Agate Radio, Television and Newspaper, Mr. Igba Ogbole, has urged the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Solomon Iorpev, to build an ecosystem that will enable him to manage the affairs of the state effectively.
Mr. Ogbole made the call on Tuesday during a solidarity visit to the Commissioner’s office in Makurdi. He described Chief Iorpev as a core media practitioner with a rich background of professional experience, a strong record of academic and professional performance, a wide network of productive contacts across the country, and youthful energy.
Speaking glowingly of the Commissioner, Mr. Ogbole said Governor Hyacinth Alia’s decision to appoint Chief Iorpev to the esteemed position of Commissioner for Information and Orientation was strategic and a clear reflection of his superlative performance.
The Agate GM acknowledged the Commissioner’s vast knowledge and urged him to harness those qualities effectively in the discharge of his new assignment. He also encouraged him to run an all-inclusive media organization, noting that every media outlet has something to contribute to the success of the government.
He further urged the Commissioner to build strong working relationships with the Nigeria Union of Journalists and other media professional bodies to ensure sanity in media practice in the state.
Mr. Ogbole also advised him to promote proactive public engagement to effectively communicate issues of public concern to the people at the grassroots, and to build genuine dialogue that gives citizens a sense of belonging.
He appealed to the Commissioner to convince the Governor to place state-owned media outfits on first-line charge, digitize their operations, and equip them to compete favourably on the ever-evolving information superhighway.
In his response, Chief Solomon Iorpev commended Agate Radio for its consistent role in promoting peace, moral values, and responsible communication among the people of Benue. He called on the management to use the platform to project the positive narratives of Benue and for government-citizen engagement and public enlightenment.
The Commissioner said his career was built on the foundation laid by Mr. Igba Ogbole and thanked him for his mentorship.
Chief Iorpev assured the delegation that he would leave a blueprint for the ministry and promised to carry every media organization along.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mrs. Ruth Ubwa, expressed gratitude to Mr. Ogbole for his mentorship and assured him that the ministry would study his proposals and act where necessary.
Also on a courtesy visit was the Head of Station, Brothers FM Makurdi, Mr. Elagwu Abutu, and his team. He commended the Commissioner for the positive changes so far, acknowledged his hard work and benevolence, and urged him to deploy the necessary information machinery to revamp the sector.
