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The Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Monday, hosted journalists serving as aides to Governor Umo Eno at the NUJ Press Centre, Uyo, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration and promote the growth of the Union. Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the State Working Committee (SWC), the Council Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, expressed appreciation to the governor’s aides for their encouragement and support during and after the Union’s election. He said the meeting was convened to reinforce professional unity and fellowship among journalists, especially those serving in government. He explained that the meeting was convened to strengthen the bond of unity and professional fellowship within the journalism community, particularly among members serving in government. Highlighting the Union’s achievements within its first 100 days in office, the Chairman said the leadership has built bridges of trust, fostered collaboration with relevant agencies, and initiated structural reforms at the NUJ Secretariat. Comrade John added that the Union had partnered with For the Love of Nigeria (FLON) to construct an international standard football pitch within the NUJ complex, a facility he said will serve as a training ground for young talents and is set to be inaugurated soon. According to him, the Union has also prioritized capacity building for journalists, improved members’ welfare through entrepreneurship grants, and introduced innovative programs aimed at empowering practitioners. Comrade John solicited continued support from the Governor’s aides, especially ahead of the 2025 Press Week slated for November 30, 2025, which he said will also mark the Union’s 37th anniversary. In his remarks, the Dean of the Governor’s aides, Dr. Essien Ndueso, commended the NUJ leadership for its dynamic and people-oriented approach, describing the invitation as a rare gesture that underscores unity within the profession. Dr. Ndueso applauded Comrade John’s performance within 100 days in office, noting that his leadership has brought renewed credibility to the Union and lauded the immediate past Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, for his accountability and performance, which earned him his current appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media. He assured the Union of the Aides’ unwavering support, particularly towards the forthcoming Press Week, and commended the transformation of the NUJ Secretariat, describing it as “a new pride of the journalism community.” High point of the event was an on-the-spot inspection of the newly constructed football court at the NUJ premises, conducted by the Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John. In attendance during the visit include; State Vice Chairman, Comrade Margaret Moore, Secretary, Comrade Nsikak Esenowo, Assistant Secretary, Comrade Uduak Akai, Treasurer, Comrade Udeme Hosea, Auditor, Comrade Diamine Uko, NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Nsikak Okon and Chairman SWAN, Comrade Emmanuel Akpan.

…Gets Apostolic Blessings for First Hundred Days in Office  ‎…As ANPA Holds Thanksgiving Service ‎The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has called for sustained support for Newspaper Publishers in order to enhance their operations and strengthen the media landscape in the state. ‎ Comrade John made the appeal while delivering a goodwill message during the Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers Association (ANPA) thanksgiving service, held at The Apostolic Church, 69 Oron Road, Uyo. ‎He commended ANPA for its unity, resilience, and contributions to the growth of journalism in Akwa Ibom State, noting that newspaper publishers play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and deepening democracy through information dissemination. ‎The NUJ Chairman also urged journalists to remain steadfast in upholding the core values of the profession which are, truth, fairness, and balance, while maintaining the highest ethical standards. ‎The Chairman who described the thanksgiving as a moment of reflection for newspaper publishers added that it is also an avenue to agacknowledge God’s faithfulness, mercy, and guidance over their lives and careers, despite the numerous challenges they encounter in the line of duty. ‎“It is only by God’s benevolence that we have triumphed through the challenges of our profession, therefore, it is fitting that we come together to offer Him praise and thanksgiving,” Comrade John stated. ‎Delivering his exhortation, the Area Superintendent of The Apostolic Church, Uyo Field, Pastor Ime George, urged journalists and publishers to uphold integrity and honesty in their practice. He observed the transformative power of praise, noting that thanksgiving is not only a form of appreciation but also a spiritual key that unlocks greater blessings. ‎“A heart of gratitude positions individuals and organizations for divine increase. When we thank God for what He has done, we invite Him to do even more,” Pastor George remarked. ‎He encouraged media practitioners to remain steadfast in truth and gratitude as they continue to shape public opinion and contribute to national development through their work. ‎In his remarks, the President General of ANPA, Pastor Osuini-Abasi Alfred, expressed profound appreciation to the church leadership for hosting the thanksgiving service. He noted that the association remains grateful to God for its progress and sustenance over the years. ‎Pastor Alfred reaffirmed ANPA’s commitment to ethical journalism and professional excellence, assuring that members would continue to uphold the standards that promote credibility and responsible journalism. High point of the event was prayers offered to God for the first Hundred Days in Office of the Chairman and members of his State Working Committee

… Demand Adequate Funding of Education Sector …Seek Government Attention, Improved welfare packages ors In a renewed call for accountability and improved welfare, Nigerian students under various umbrella bodies have demanded the urgent attention of the Akwa Ibom State Government on key issues affecting the student community. The demand was made during a World Press Conference jointly organized by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students (NAAKISS), Akwa Ibom Female Students Association (AIFSA), and other affiliate student unions at the NUJ Secretariat, Uyo. Speaking at the event, the student leaders commended Governor Umo Eno for his continued investment in education, particularly the bursary scheme and improved infrastructure in tertiary institutions. However, they decried the lack of transparency in the recent bursary disbursement, alleging that payments were made to individuals, some of whom were not students, and without proper statistics or verification from recognized student bodies. “Bursary has been paid to some people, yet student leaders have no data or statistics showing who received the funds. A lot of students have equally complained of not receiving the bursary and since we do not have the data, this raises serious questions about accountability,” the students stated. The student leaders also urged the government of Akwa Ibom State to expedite the long-overdue NAAKISS Worldwide elections, warning that the delay could deepen the leadership crisis and weaken the unity of Akwa Ibom students ahead of future political events. Among other demands, they called for the provision of student grants and scholarships, improved funding for education, and the establishment of Computer-Based Test (CBT) facilities in state-owned schools to ease examination stress. They also appealed for a transparent engagement framework that ensures regular dialogue between government agencies and legitimate student unions such as NANS, NAAKISS, and SUG councils. “There should be deliberate collaboration between the government and students’ representatives to rebuild trust and promote inclusive leadership. The Governor has not had any enlarged meeting with us as student leaders; when students are sidelined, their interests suffer,” a communiqué issued at the Conference, stated. They further expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Matters, Comrade Wisdom Emmanuel, accusing him of sidelining key student leaders and stakeholders in critical decision-making processes. “It is unfortunate that the Special Assistant on Students’ Matters has continued to alienate recognized student structures, creating divisions within the community by forming a parallel group known as Arise Students, instead of working with those who contributed immensely to the Governor’s victory,” they lamented. Reaffirming their commitment to student solidarity, the leaders noted that International Students’ Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the struggles, rights, and achievements of students worldwide, urging government at all levels to meet UNESCO’s recommended funding standards for education. The press conference was jointly signed by student leaders, including Comrade Emmanuel Akpan, Assistant Secretary General, NANS Zone B; Comrade Ubong Ekwere Okon, President, NAAKISS Worldwide; Activist Emmanuel Peter, Chairman, NANS JCC Akwa Ibom; Comrade Margaret Ekpenyong Asuquo, President, AIFSA; Comrade Fredrick Bassey, Coordinator, NIDSUG; Comrade Elizabeth Uwem Ben, Director of Gender and Campus Affairs, NAUS; Comrade Elsie Etete, Chairperson, Council of SUG Presidents; Comrade Ubiere Obot, Acting Chairman, G31; and Comrade Enobong Udo, Chair of Chairs, NAAKISS Worldwide. They reiterated their readiness to engage constructively with Government in the spirit of partnership and progress, while maintaining that students’ welfare must remain a top priority in the administration’s educational agenda. Responding, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, appreciated the student leaders for maintaining decorum and avoiding crisis in the face of provocation. He assured them that the Union would amplify their concerns and communicate their plights to relevant authorities, emphasizing that the media remains a dependable partner in advancing the cause of students in the State. Comrade John urged the student leaders to continue to speak out responsibly and courageously, reminding them that they were elected to represent, protect, and advocate for the rights and welfare of students. While acknowledging the critical role of education in societal development, the NUJ Chairman stressed that students’ welfare must be given priority attention, assuring them of the Union’s full commitment to engage constructively with the government and other stakeholders to address the issues raised.

…As Chairman Congratulates Winners of Ray Ekpu Investigative Journalism Award The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has reaffirmed its deliberate and strategic commitment to promoting capacity building and professional development among its members as part of efforts to strengthen ethical and investigative journalism. The Chairman of the Union, Comrade Nsibiet John, stated this during the 18th Teachers’ Awards and the 5th edition of the Ray Ekpu Investigative Journalism Awards held on Friday, November 7, at Watbridge Hotels, Uyo. He emphasized that the Union would continue to prioritize training and mentorship initiatives aimed at enhancing investigative reporting skills and upholding ethical standards within the profession. The Chairman extended his felicitations to the winners of Ray Ekpu Investigative Journalism Awards 5th Edition, where Comrade Ekemini Simon of THE MAIL Newspaper emerged overall winner; the first runner-up, Comrade Saviour Imukudo of Premium Times; and the second runner-up, Comrade Enwongoabasi Elisha of THE CREST Newspaper. Comrade John commended the organizers for their consistent efforts in promoting excellence in journalism and education. He lauded the Inoyo Toro Foundation for sustaining the Ray Ekpu Award initiative, noting that it has continued to inspire journalists to uphold the core values of professionalism, truth, and accountability. “The NUJ in Akwa Ibom State is grateful to the organizers of this noble award, and we remain open to partnerships with individuals, organizations, and institutions that wish to support the Union in any way possible,” Comrade John stated. Presenting the awards, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Nsikak Essien, disclosed that this year’s edition recorded 27 entries drawn from newspapers, radio stations, and online media platforms. He added that the reports covered diverse areas including health, education, governance, and community development, reflecting growing depth and competition among participants. Mr. Essien noted that the entries demonstrated stronger investigative depth compared to previous editions, while highlighting the need for continuous training and professional workshops to strengthen journalists’ capacity to pursue evidence-based reporting. The winning entries included: First Prize: Gas Flaring: Niger Delta Communities Suffer as Oil Giants Fail to Pay Nearly N500 Billion in Penalties (Parts 1 & 2) by Ekemini Simon, THE MAIL Newspaper* (published December 10 & 17, 2024). First Runner-Up: Inside Akwa Ibom Communities Where Ill-equipped Primary Health Centres Cripple Healthcare Services by Saviour Imukudo, Premium Times (published September 25, 2025). Second Runner-Up:Two Years Later: Geo-Seismic Abandons Communities After Earth Blast, Fails to Fulfil Compensation Promise (Parts 1 & 2) by Enwongoabasi Elisha, THE CREST Newspaper (published September 9 & 15, 2025). The ceremony also featured the 18th Teachers’ Awards, where outstanding educators across the state were celebrated and honoured by the Inoyo Toro Foundation for their dedication to nurturing future leaders.