The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has paid a thank-you visit to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
The visit was to appreciate his immense support during the NUJ Triennial Delegates Conference held in Owerri in 2024.
It was also to acknowledge his role in the construction of an ultramodern secretariat for the Warri Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ.
The delegation was led by the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya.
Others in the entourage included the immediate past president, Chief Chris Isiguzo, and the Deputy National President, Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde.
Also present were the NUJ Vice President of Zone F, Comrade Opaka Dokubo, and the Zonal Secretary, Comrade John Angese.
Veteran journalist, Asiwaju Sola Adebayo, and the Director of Media to Tantita Security, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, were also in attendance.
Comrade Yahya said the support from Chief Ekpemupolo came at a very critical time when the union faced financial challenges.
He noted that the success of the Owerri conference was largely due to the High Chief’s magnanimity.
Yahya also described the Warri press centre project as a philanthropic gesture by Tantita Pipeline Surveillance Security Company.
He said the project, from conception to completion, was solely funded by Chief Ekpemupolo’s company.
According to Yahya, no chapel in NUJ history has ever had a permanent secretariat before now.
He assured the High Chief that the facility would enhance journalism practice across the area.
He also pledged the union’s continued support for Tantita Security through objective and balanced reportage of its activities.
In his remarks, Chief Ekpemupolo said journalists have played a key role in the success of his company.
He promised to sustain the partnership with the media.
He also reaffirmed his company’s commitment to fighting oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.
The thank-you visit also had in attendance the NUJ Delta State Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, and Secretary, Comrade Victor Sorokwu.
Others included the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrades Sonia Unobunjo and Ruth Omigie, respectively.
