UPDATED: Utitofon Morgan emerges leader of online publishers in Akwa Ibom
• Utitofon Morgan Ukpong
Mr Utitofon Morgan Ukpong, the publisher of www.sitippe.com, has been elected Chancellor of the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA).
Mr Morgan emerged after he secured 28 votes to defeat his only contender, Mr Nelson NseAbasi, publisher of www.talentbanknigeria.com, who polled 11 votes.
The election climaxed the 2023 conference of COOPA held at Eden Hotels, Eket, from from Friday 6 October to Saturday, 7 October, 2023, with the theme: “The future of social media: Exploring emerging platforms, technologies and the evolving landscape of social media”.
Morgan succeeds Ifreke Nseowo, publisher of TheMail newspapers https://themail.com.ng/ who has served out his eigth-year term as Chancellor of COOPA. Nseowo was elected Chancellor in 2015.
Other members of the elected executive are Prince Simone Akpan– Deputy Chancellor, Ifiok Itiaba– Assistant Secretary General, Enwono Abasi Elisha– Treasurer, Saviour Nathaniel– Financial Secretary, Uwakmfon Dan– PRO, and the PRO ll, Itoro Bassey.
In his acceptance speech, Morgan expressed his appreciation to God for His grace and to his colleagues for entrusting him with the honour to lead the the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State.
“Today will go into the annals of history as the day we collectively signed a pact for a more united COOPA, improved welfare, financial independence, human capacity development and fruitful collaborations.
“It is indeed a huge responsibility and I am humbled by your faith in me and other newly elected Executive Members, to steer the ship of COOPA for the next four years”.
The new Chancellor said he and his team would work tirelessly to build on the legacies of Mr Ifreke Nseowo, his predecessor, with the support of members of the conference.
He said: “One of the key areas of focus for the organization is Human Capital Development. This will be achieved through a variety of initiatives, including in-house training, conferences and events in and outside the state, as well as opportunities for members to develop their skills in the ICT sector.
“Our goal is to provide our members with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their careers and make positive impact in their communities, because by investing in our members’ development, we are investing in the future of our organization and our state.
“We will operate an open-door policy where every COOPA member is carried along in the scheme of things and given a sense of belonging. Ours shall be a consultative and listening administration.
“Among other things, we shall strike purpose-driven collaborations with the government, non-governmental organizations, corporate bodies as well as individuals.
“We shall link up our members with media and non-media organizations within and outside Akwa Ibom State and ensure that our organization remains a strong and impartial voice for truth, justice and development, within Akwa Ibom State and beyond”.
Earlier at the occasion on Friday evening, ten newcomers were inducted and decorated as bonafide members to COOPA. They are: Mary Ekere, Mfon Bassey, Henshaw Nyong, Imaobong Umoekah, Hero Akpata, Mercy Ani, Nyakno Edet, Tony Esin, Edet Edet, and Bassey Samuel (Ibom Plaza news), bringing the total members of the Conference to 42.
In his valedictory remark, the outgoing Chancellor, Ifreke Nseowo, who described COOPA as a well-structured body of online publishers, commended members of his EXCO for their commitment to the success of his administration.
Nseowo charged the new members to always respect the already established precepts of the organization and adhere to the rules and regulations binding members.
He said the body of professionals would not hesitate to discipline any member who would undermine and smear the image of the Conference, even as indolence would not be condoned. He urged them to refrain from actions that would ground the group’s hard-earned reputation in the minds of it publics.
Highpoint of the conference was the presentation of the Chancellor’s Special Appreciation Awards by Nseowo to Aniekan Ekah, Nelson NseAbasi, Utitofon Morgan Ukpong, Samuel Ayara, Darlington Udobong, Prince Simeon Akpan and Priscilla Akpanettot, in recognition of their immense support and contributions to the success of COOPA.
