By Emmanuel Enebeli
KWALE/Nigeria: The President-General of the Ndokwa Neku Union, Amechi Asugwuni, on Monday signalled a new phase of institutional growth and strategic engagement with the press as he hosted members of the Ndokwa Media Professionals Forum, declaring that sustained collaboration with journalists will be central to projecting Ndokwa interests and strengthening the union’s long-term development agenda.
Speaking at Ndokwa House in Kwale during a courtesy visit led by the forum’s chairman, Barth Inneh-Ozah, the Ndokwa leader said his administration considers media engagement a strategic institutional function rather than a ceremonial obligation, noting that interactions with journalists form part of official documentation and policy reflection.
He explained that questions, observations, and professional scrutiny from reporters provide valuable input for leadership decisions, adding that transparent engagement enhances credibility and strengthens public confidence in the union’s programmes. According to him, structured briefings serve as platforms for accountability and progress evaluation, making them more effective than multiple closed-door sessions.
Asugwuni disclosed that the union’s executive council recently concluded a strategic review focused on optimizing its facilities and expanding their capacity. He revealed that the complex, originally conceived as a two-storey structure, had to be redesigned because of financial and regulatory limitations, but plans are underway for a second development phase that will introduce social and commercial components, including relaxation and meeting spaces, to increase activity and generate sustainable revenue.
He said the expansion project is intended not only to enhance the building’s functionality but also to transform it into a vibrant hub capable of attracting visitors and supporting community-oriented initiatives. Such infrastructure, he noted, is critical for strengthening institutional resilience and ensuring continuity beyond current leadership.
The President-General used the occasion to acknowledge journalists who have helped spotlight Ndokwa initiatives beyond local borders, describing their contributions as instrumental in amplifying the region’s voice nationally and internationally. He urged media practitioners to maintain consistent engagement with the union’s programmes, stressing that visibility is essential for attracting partnerships and opportunities.
Reflecting on broader socio-cultural challenges, he cautioned that internal divisions have historically limited the collective potential of Ndokwa people, warning that fragmentation weakens influence and slows development. He argued that effective communication, driven by responsible journalism, can help bridge such gaps by promoting shared identity and common purpose.
Asugwuni reaffirmed that the union’s guiding principle remains service to the public interest, pledging continued openness, regular engagement, and inclusive participation in its programmes, while emphasizing that his ultimate goal is to build an institution strong enough to outlive any single administration.
Earlier, Inneh-Ozah congratulated the union leader on his first anniversary in office and commended what he called visible improvements in engagement with Ndokwa communities both at home and abroad. He said the forum sought the meeting to exchange ideas, strengthen professional synergy, and explore practical ways of promoting Ndokwa-focused development initiatives through coordinated communication.
He noted that the forum’s membership cuts across major cities in Nigeria and consists of journalists committed to advancing unity, progress, and a positive public image of Ndokwa people, expressing confidence that closer collaboration with the union would produce tangible benefits for the region.
