The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has urged members of Ndito Uyo Workers’ Forum, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), to use culture as a moral compass for unity, compassion and justice.
Comrade John gave the charge on Saturday during the finale of this year’s cultural festival of the Forum organized in collaboration with Uyo Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs held at the Council for Arts and Culture, Uyo.
Represented by former member of the State Executive Council of the union, Comrade Harrison Essien, the NUJ Chairman described culture as “the soul of the people,” which defines identity, preserves values and safeguards the collective memory of families and communities.
“Culture is not just about costumes and dances; it is the moral compass that should guide how we live together and must inspire compassion, justice and a spirit of unity. When we remember who we are and what binds us, we will be moved to support one another, not just in celebrations, but in times of need.” Comrade John said.
He commended the Forum for extending humanitarian services to indigent patients at UUTH, particularly for offsetting medical bills for vulnerable children at the Children’s Emergency and Paediatric Wards.
“There are people in the hospital today who would have gone home in despair if not for your kind-heartedness. This is culture in action, when we translate our values into compassion and give relief to those who cannot help themselves.” Comrade John added.
The Chairman assured the Forum of NUJ’s partnership in amplifying its vision and activities, pledging that the Union would continue to publicize initiatives that promote unity, social welfare and cultural pride.
The event chaired by Hon. Fidelis Eddie, former Transition Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, who lauded the Forum for its foresight, describing the initiative as one that uses culture as a tool for workers’ welfare, unity and service to humanity.
In a goodwill message, Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area, Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon, represented by the Village Head of Atan Offot, Eteidung Idongesit Ekong, urged the Forum to sustain the blend of cultural celebration and service.
President of the Forum, Mrs. Idongesit Eberefiak, expressed gratitude for a successful programme and reiterated the Forum’s commitment to promoting cultural awareness, unity and social welfare among workers and the larger UUTH community.
A highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of Public Service Awards to distinguished individuals for their outstanding leadership and humanitarian service including the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John; Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom at the Federal Character Commission, Obonganwan Dora Ebong; Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Professor Ememabasi Bassey; and former Transition Committee Chairman of Uyo Local Government, Pastor Sylvia Ekong.
