RismadarVoice Reporters
August 2, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged journalists to uphold professionalism, accuracy and objectivity in their reportage, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Eno gave the charge on Sunday at a special thanksgiving service marking the first anniversary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, held at the Apostolic Church, Ewet Offot District, Uyo.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the governor commended the state NUJ leadership, led by Comrade Nsibiet John, for promoting professionalism, unity and the welfare of journalists during its first year in office.
He congratulated John and members of his executive, describing their first year as successful and impactful.
“We are entering the election season. Carry out your professional responsibility without bias. Report accurately, objectively and fairly. Your credibility as journalists must remain your greatest asset,” Eno said.
The governor described the NUJ as a strategic stakeholder in the development of the state and assured the union of his administration’s continued partnership with the media.
He also commended the leadership style of the NUJ chairman, describing him as a worthy successor to his predecessor, Comrade Amos Etuk, and urged him to sustain the gains recorded by the council.
Eno said his administration remained committed to transparency, accountability and people-oriented governance, adding that the recognitions received by the state were indications of the impact of its development programmes.
Speaking earlier, the Area Superintendent of the Apostolic Church, Ewet Offot District, Apostle Emmanuel Eduongo, said the thanksgiving service was an opportunity to acknowledge God’s faithfulness and express gratitude for His preservation.
Eduongo, who ministered on the theme, “Everlasting Joy: The Redeemed of the Lord Shall Return with Singing,” described the NUJ chairman as a beneficiary of God’s mercy and encouraged Christians to remain thankful for divine blessings.
In his remarks, the NUJ chairman, Nsibiet John, expressed gratitude to God and members of the union for their support during his first 365 days in office.
Quoting Psalm 133:1, John stressed the importance of unity among journalists and commended the state government for maintaining a cordial relationship with the media.
He described Governor Eno as a media-friendly governor who had supported journalists through appointments, collaboration and policies aimed at strengthening the profession.
John said his administration, which assumed office on August 2, 2025, had prioritised members’ welfare, professional development and institutional strengthening.
According to him, the achievements recorded by the council in its first year were made possible through the support of members and the grace of God.
He said the relationship between government and the media in the state had evolved from hostility to a more productive partnership, while urging political actors to continue engaging professional journalists in providing credible information to the public.
Representing the National President of the NUJ, the South-South Zonal Vice President, Zone F, Comrade Okpaka Dokubo, commended the Akwa Ibom council for what he described as its outstanding performance.
Dokubo said the council had emerged as one of the best-performing NUJ councils in the country, attributing its progress to purposeful leadership, unity among members and the conducive environment created by the state government.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the Commissioner for Sports, Dr Paul Bassey, Engineer Etido Inyang and other dignitaries, who commended the NUJ leadership and urged journalists to sustain their commitment to ethical journalism and service to society.
The State Commissioner for Information, Dr Aniekan Umanah, and other political leaders and dignitaries attended the event.
The anniversary thanksgiving featured praise and worship sessions, including musical ministrations by the Apostolic Church Choir and the NUJ Choir.
