I want to sincerely appreciate God for the opportunity to witness this day for the inauguration of our notable forum.
First, I wish to commend the immediate past Executive led by our beloved Elder Statesman, Prince Friday Ogungbemi who worked tirelessly with his team to build the forum from the scratch to the level it is today.
On behalf of the New Executive, I want to appreciate the entire members for reposing their confidence in our ability to take the forum to another level of development for the mutual benefit of all members.
The new assignment before us is tasking hence we solicit for the support and cooperation of all members as that is the only way we can achieve our aims and objectives of bringing ourselves together to work for the growth and development of the forum and Okunland.
I appeal to all members to be a good Ambassadors of the forum in our conduct as professional media practitioners devoid of any character that may dent our image as very soon politics will set in.
At this point, I must commend the efforts of the current administration of Governor Ododo Usman in the prompt payment of the workers’ salaries, especially the tremendous improvement on that of the local government workers, primary school teachers and other initiatives that are geared towards improving the livelihood of the people of the state.
I appeal to Governor Ododo Usman as a matter of priority to put in motion the process of paying gratuity of the Local government pensioners and that of the primary school teachers, as many of them are facing challenges beyond their monthly pension.
To the executive members, let us see this task as a call to service and it is a task that must be accomplished, because it is a rare privilege to be called upon to serve.
Finally, it is my pledge that the New Executive will work as a team for the overall interest of all members and the region we represent without fear or favor.
Chief Olugbemi Femi,
Chairman, Forum of Okun Media Professionals (FOMP)
