By Ogalla Daniel
An advocacy group, Kogi Central ThinkTank Forum has congratulated the Managing Director of Kogi Printing and Publishing Corporation, publishers of The Graphic newspaper,Mr Yusuf Jimoh Itopa on his appointment, encouraging him to continue to strengthen the virtues of hard work and excellence in the discharge of his duties.
The Chairman of Kogi state ThinkTank Forum. Dr Haroun Opotu, gave the charge when he led members of the group on a solidarity visit to the Managing Director of The Graphic newspaper in Lokoja.
Dr Opotie implored him to inject new life into the corporation in order to turn around the fortunes of the paper for the overall benefit of the people.
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Contributing, a former Permanent Secretary, Elder Moses Onivehu appreciated the new MD for being a source of pride to the group and for enhancing community development in the central and state in general.
He prayed for the success of the managing director and advised him to recommit himself to efficient and effective service delivery that would distinguish the paper within and outside Kogi state.
Another member of the ThinkTank and renowned broadcaster,Comdre Austyn Ochu, urged the new MD to continue to give his best to raise the bar of excellence which the state owned paper is known for, saying such was important to enhance information dissemination as well as ensure that The Graphic newspaper joins the league of dailies.
While charging him to hit the ground running , Comrade Ochu enjoined the MD to continue to commit more time and efforts to the growth of the corporation.and that let it go down in history that one of their own brought the much needed transformation to The Graphic.
On his part, a former Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr Emmanuel Boro, applauded Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for putting a round peg in a round hole with the appointment of Mr Itopa.
According to him, going by his track record and wealth of experience in the corporation, he was confident that Mr Itopa would do his best to attract development, peace, productivity and glory to the paper.
He then charged him to focus and accord priority to the task of transforming the paper which is his primary mandate.
Responding, The Executive Editor of The Graphic newspaper, Mr James Oyewole, described the choice of Mr Itopa as apt in view of his zeal to sustain and build on the gains recorded over the years.
He assured the group that the corporation was blessed with experienced staff ready to collaborate with the new MD in building a stronger, efficient and productive work force.
The Editor further disclosed that the paper under the new MD has equally recorded improvement including the launch of a 24 hour online platform maned by Ms Grace Ben Kato and designed to keep the public abreast with current news .
In his remarks, the Managing Director of The Graphic Newspapers, Mr Yusuf Jimoh Itopa commended members of the Think Tank for their resilient spirit in spite of daunting challenges, and urged them to continue to build on the gains recorded.
He assured the group of his readiness to recommit himself to efficient and effective service delivery for the benefit of all stakeholders and the restoration of The Graphic newspaper to its glorious days.
Mr Itopa used the forum to appreciate Governor Ododo for giving him the opportunity to contribute his quota to the growth of the media in the state as well as projecting government programs and policies for the masses. Just as he said the paper has recorded quite a few achievements since he assumed office.
He described the visit as a great honour, saying he was elated about the coming of the advocacy group made up renowned elders and seasoned administrators from the central part of the state to congratulate him and pray for him.
