The new governor for Lakes State said his leadership will ensure press freedom and will promote what he described as the “local press”.
Governor Chol Tong Mayay was speaking at his swearing in ceremony last Friday, Good News Radio reported.Eng. Chol said that his government will promote the local press to international standards.
The new governor congratulated Manyang Mayom, a Lakes State born journalist who recently won the Hellman/Hammett award, a grant intended for writers who have suffered political persecution while carrying out their duty and are in financial need.
Eng. Chol said that it was an honour and a great achievement for a native of Lakes State to win the award.
He added that the first duty of the Minister of Information to be appointed is to organize a special occasion in honour of Mr. Mayom.
Mr. Mayom has been in and out of prison cells for at least 17 times while reporting from Lakes State.