NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

NAN MD promises improved working environment

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By Rita Iliya

Malam Ali M Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has promised to improve the working environment for the personnel of the agency. .

He spoke on Saturday when he visited the agency’s Minna Zonal office to assess its situation.

Ali was received by Alhaji Mohammed Bababusu, Zonal Manager in charge of Niger, Kogi and Nasarawa.

He commended the zonal manager and members of staff for their resilience and dedication to work.

Ali reiterated his commitment to providing a conducive environment that befit the agency’s mandate, adding that: “I have seen the condition of the NAN Minna office, this structure is not befitting to staff of the agency to work.

“People need the right environment to work, and here is not the right environment. It is a shame that the agency still has structures like this.

“We will send our Engineers from Abuja to the Minna office to give us a professional assessment of what can be done.

“The agency would not leave any of its offices behind in terms of development.”

NAN MD, Ali M Ali flanks by staff of Minna zonal office

Ali said that a recent tour of offices in the North-East had provided valuable insights into the requirements for improvement.

The managing director also extolled the leadership of the zonal manager, saying, ”as the son of the soil, you are leveraging on your contacts for the glory of the agency.”

He, however, cautioned against joining local politics, warning that defaulters would be sanctioned, adding that, “NAN is a professional media organisation respected globally, and efforts were being made to reposition it”.

While reitrating commitment to the welfare of staff, Ali announced plans to establish a multimedia unit in the Minna office, deploy more workforce, and open district offices in Bida, Suleja, Kontagora and New Bussa.

He urged the staff to keep up the good work by focusing more on exclusive stories.

NAN MD, Ali M Ali inspects Minna zonal office

Earlier, Bababusu, thanked the managing director for the changes he has so far brought to the agency, particularly in the editorial department, adding that his achievements were visible across NAN offices.

“We have long wished for your visit to the NAN Minna office and I want to appeal for your regular visits to the zonal offices to address their challenges,” he said

Bababusu said that the Minna office required an overhaul, adding,” the current office space is not befitting.”

The zonal manager appealed for provisions to enable the zonal managers to periodically visit offices under their zones. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Bashir Rabe Mani

NAN MD advocates fitness, health for media practitioners

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By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has advised media practitioners to engage in regular exercise and sporting activities to maintain physical fitness and enhance mental alertness.

Ali gave this advice in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with members of the NAN Social Calendar Committee.

The committee briefed him about the agency’s inaugural fitness walk and jogging exercise scheduled for Saturday, October 26.

Ali noted the importance of regular medical check-ups for media workers, including monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate.

He said those in the media often work under pressure chasing news and may forget to check their health status.

“Understanding one’s health is essential for peace of mind and identifying areas for improvement.

“To address this, we established this committee to promote quarterly fitness and exercise walks. Every quarter, all agency staff will gather at the corporate headquarters for a two- to three-hour walk, followed by some exercises.

“This initiative will encourage physical health, raise awareness about health status, and promote team bonding, a team that exercises together achieves together and fosters greater understanding”.

Ali added that seeing colleagues and superiors engaged in enjoyable activities like walking can bring additional benefits.

He reiterated the health advantages of regular walking, especially for those of a certain age.

Ali also announced plans for a week-long inter-departmental competition to foster team building and family cohesion among staff.

He tasked the committee with making this proposal a reality, as it would help the agency evaluate its activities and bridge any existing communication gaps.

He also encouraged the head of the NAN Lagos office and the 12 zonal managers to organise the quarterly fitness exercises in their locations, and invited headquarters staff to bring their spouses to the Saturday event.

“This inaugural fitness walk and jogging exercise is expected to enhance team building and bonding.

“We aim to create a cohesive team that works together and supports one another. Before the year ends, we hope to organise a week-long competition.

“Although there are only a couple of months left in the year, we want to unwind and bond as a family,” Ali stated.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Mrs Dorcas Jonah, informed the MD about the upcoming walk and jogging exercise.

Jonah, an Assistant Editor-in-Chief, noted that after the committee’s inauguration two months ago, it proposed bi-weekly sporting activities for staff.

She thanked Ali for approving the initiative and attending the kickoff event, which has revived sporting activities at NAN.

“This initiative is designed to help staff stay fit and unwind. We want to show our partners and the public that the News Agency of Nigeria is not just about news writing; we can engage in other activities as well.

“As the saying goes, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. We aim to demonstrate that we are a capable team committed to exercise, maintaining a healthy work environment, and working together effectively.

“Regular exercise will help us think better and stay energetic,” she said.

The occasion ended with the presentation of tracksuits for the exercise by the committee to the managing director and other directors of the agency. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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