National Network 18th Anniversary: Engr. Engr. Dimkpa Gives Kudos To National Network For Consistency, Doggedness, Fairness
…Nominated For National Network Award
As the Port Harcourt-based sizzling sensation, National Network newspaper puts finishing touches to preparations for its 18th anniversary billed for October 28, 2022, there has been an outpouring of praises and goodwill messages for surviving the murky waters of the Nigerian newspaper industry.
One of such admirers of National Network is Dr. Engr. Chukwudi Dimkpa, the pioneer Managing Director of Rivers State Signage and Advertising Agency (RISAA) who described the newspaper as one of its kind among its contemporaries.
Engr. Dimkpa made the remark while receiving the Editorial team of the newspaper in his office in Port Harcourt Tuesday, October 4, 2022, who were there to hand over to him an award letter as the Most Outstanding Friendly Politician in the State.
A corporate manager of resources and politician of note, Dr. Dimkpa said for surviving the harsh and unhealthy economic atmosphere in the country, especially as it affects the newspaper industry and for being regular on the newsstands non-stop for 18 years is a landmark achievement worth celebrating.
The newspaper, he noted, has particularly carved a niche for itself by being consistent in editorial policy and in keeping faith with the fairness doctrine of the press which requires equal opportunities to all parties in the coverage and reportage of news events.
“I have been part of National Network newspaper since its inception or as long as I can remember and one recurring decimal about this publication is its consistency and regularity.
The publisher, Pastor Jerry Needam has been a good friend, we have been in the trenches together and worked together several times. He does not joke with the newspaper and at times, I wonder how he manages to cope with the demands of the job especially after our meeting activities, he makes sure the story is reported the following morning and correctly too. I think he deserves to be commended for his doggedness,” Engr. Dimkpa declared.
The Ikwerre-born politician and erudite scholar also doffed his cap for National Network for helping to reduce the unemployment rate in the state and by extension, the country, by offering jobs no matter how little to those who have worked hard all these 18 years to ensure that the newspaper was sustained.
“I am sure there are some newspapers that started before you and those that started after you, that are no longer there today. But you have persevered for all this long. This is not a mean feat. I pray and believe in the years to come, you will increase your coast and achieve a wider reach than where you are,” he prayed.
Earlier, before handing over the award letter to Engr. Dr. Dimkpa, the Editor-In-Chief and General Manager of National Network, Chris Konkwo had described the awardee as an unassuming gentleman whose simple lifestyle is admiringly infectious, a man who has remained same in and out of office and friendly with all irrespective of tribe, ideology or political affiliation.
Recall that National Network is celebrating its 18th anniversary this October 28, and is using the occasion to appreciate and honour with awards to individuals and groups as well as corporate bodies who have contributed meaningfully to society and so nominated through an opinion survey by the newspaper.
Engr. Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa is one of the Awardees to be so honoured which he graciously accepted and thanked National Network for finding him worthy.
