BY FREDO
An author once asserted that he who forgets the language of gratitude is not worthy to be on speaking terms with God. St Bernard supported the above assertion saying that Ingratitude dries the source of divine favours. On the above premise, we the management and staff of National Impact Magazine wish to extend our unquantified gratitude to Dr Boniface Aniebonam and the entire management of NAGAFF for the memorable courtesy extended to the Media recently.
Professionally, I remember one of my Professors in school been then at Benue State University telling us that Journalism is a thankless job. That comment really left a crack in many of us who were determined to practice journalism. We asked lots of rhetorical questions like why would the world not appreciate the people that ‘SET THE AGENDA’ hey discuss daily? How would they not appreciate the sector that informs them daily? How could they not appreciate those who confer status on the good and cast dust on the bad? How could they not appreciate the media that analyze misrule of leadership hence protecting the citizens? How could they not appreciate the watch dog and the only mirror of the society? And the questions kept coming…
It was not until the practice commenced that one began to appreciate the truism of that Professor’s assertion. The general poor welfare and the antagonism of the media practitioners cannot be over emphasized and no thanks to the total lack of job security. Media houses are most affected by the harsh business reality hence most of them have closed shops. It is very pathetic and excruciating.
Be that as it may, Dr Aniebonam’s Media Parley on the 9th of august 2018 which gathered Maritime journalists at NAGAFF village to honour the invitation by the revered founder of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) was really a reflection of love and sincerity. It was deeper and did not need to be told that it was felt indeed.” Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam could as well be referred as the Grand Patron of Maritime journalists in Nigeria. So many who expected the invitation to be one of those core interactive sessions with the Maritime guru and High Chief of Umuawulu were proved totally wrong as pen pushers stepped into NAGAFF headquarters to discover that it was an invitation to royal banquet, courtesy of the National Chairman of the All Nigerian People’s Party, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam. According to a close source, he single handedly organized the lavish party to show appreciation to Maritime journalists for their enormous support right from the formative stage of the association till date, it was simply fun as everyone was treated to sumptuous delicacies and good wine.
While saluting the good heart of Dr. Aniebonamwe equally wish to extend Kudos to the entire NAGAFF family for that very special appreciation. Whatever opinion anybody might ascribe it, the truth remains that, the emotional reactions in years to come will remain thought-provoking given rise to sparkles and punch.
