By Oladipo Airenakho
Benin City – Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and National Association of Women Journalists( NAWOJ) have commended Gov. Godwin Obaseki’s appointment of Mr. John Mayaki as his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), describing the recipient as very cerebral and thoroughbreed Professional.
The leadership of both unions made the commendation at a reception organized by friends of Mayaki in the Media, held recently at the NUJ center in Benin.
The state chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Roland Osakue at the occasion said he was elated on hearing news of Mayaki’s appointment, describing it as well deserving.
“When I heard in the news that John Mayaki was appointed Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, I was elated.
“Am very happy because it’s happening in my time as chairman of NUJ. I danced. We congratulate you. We know you are capable and that you have the dexterity to carry out the assignment, we know you won’t disappoint us.
“We are indeed very grateful to the Edo State Government for deeming it fit to have appointed you to take on this onerous task,’’ he said.
His Delta counterpart, Comrade Norbert Chiazor, who congratulated Mayaki, however, called on journalists in the state to support him to succeed especially through their write-ups.
The Edo NUJ scribe, Comrade Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu said “I congratulate you in your new appointment,’’ adding that “ John Mayaki is a tested hand.’’
The elated Aliu, who paid glowing tribute to Mayaki for his acknowledged high professional and humanitarian gestures, announced that the union would organize a formal event to celebrate him and expressed confidence that “we know he’ll succeed. I wish you all the best in your endeavors.’’
The Edo NOWAJ chairperson, Comrade Flora Bossy, commended Governor Obaseki’s choice of Mayaki as his government CPS and noted that the appointment was very apt and appropriate.
“I have known John Mayaki for a very long time now. Each time you see him, he always talks about his job. He’s a trusted fellow. I wish him well. I also urge him not forget his primary constituency,’’ she said.
The Coordinator of the occasion, Mr. Ofure Oshebo of the Pilot Newspaper, said the event was to celebrate John Mayaki who had proved beyond doubt that he’s a core professional and a committed journalist.
While describing Mayaki as a thoroughbreed home grown media practitioner, he noted: “he’s known for his incisive and undercover reports which even set heads to roll in Edo.”
“He’s steadfast despite all the challenges he faced in the course of his practice. We are all witnesses and therefore rejoice with him as he makes history as the first home grown journalist to be appointed as Chief Press Secretary to a sitting Edo State Governor,’’ he said
Mayaki started his journalism practice with the defunct Comet Newspaper and became the state Correspondent of the Nation Newspaper from where he became two-time CPS to Akoko-Edo local government council.
Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole appointed him Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity twice from which position he rose to become Executive Director on Media and Public Affairs, Governor’s Office.
