BAFENPA Election:Abiri Emerges Chairman * Pledges to actualise his mandate

By Azi Aaron

 Bayelsa Federated Newspaper Publishers Association (BAFENPA), the apex body of Newspaper Publishers in Bayelsa state, on Wednesday, elected new executive to pilot its affairs for the next three years with Chief Jones Abiri elected as its new Chairman.

Chief Jones Abiri

 Chief Abiri, Publisher of Weekly Source Newspaper, took over from Hon Ayebaitari J. Easterday, Publisher of National Investigator.

Others elected are Mr Eric Eweke, Publisher of The Despatch -Secretary, Mr Bishop Gbenekeme, Publisher of The Bullet -Treasurer, Comrade Majesty Inegbagha, Publisher of Global Overseer - Financial Secretary, Mr Franklin Olomu, Publisher of News Net, Publicity Secretary, while Mr Theophilus Okari, Publisher of Vigilante Watchman is to serve as Organizing/ Welfare Secretary.

In his acceptance speech, Chief Jones Abiri lauded members for finding him fit to pilot the affairs of the organization, and called for unity, team work and collective effects devoid of hatred in order to achieve the primary objectives the organization was established.

According to him with unity and cooperation of its members, under his leadership, BAFENPA will strengthen its existing bond of relationship with the Bayelsa State Government, traditional institutions, community leaders and corporate organizations through the actualization of its statutory responsibilities as the fourth estate of the realm to enhance the socio-economic, political, cultural and technological advancement of the state.

He assured to carry all members along without discrimination and expressed deep appreciation to the outgoing Chairman, Hon Ayebaitari J Easterday for his exceptional and purposeful leader which has left behind enduring legacies for the association, and pledged to continue where he worked and stop to move the body forward.

Earlier in his speech, the outgoing chairman, Hon Ayebaitari J Easterday has eulogized members for the support and cooperation given to his administration to succeed and urged them to extend same to the present leadership of the association to succeed.

He also used the forum to appeal to well spirited individuals, corporate organizations, and especially the Bayelsa State Government to encourage Indigenous Newspaper Publishers as the pioneer civilian governor of the state, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha of blessed memory did to support them in the task of rendering selfless service to society, knowing the importance of indigenous newspapers contributions in the development of the state.