RismadarVoice Reporters
January 6, 2026
Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, has commended journalists in the state for their balanced, fair and investigative reportage, describing the media as critical partners in democratic governance.
Elder Otong gave the commendation on Monday, when he received members of the 2026 Thanksgiving Service Committee of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, during a courtesy visit to his country home in Abak Itenge.
The visit was to formally inform him of the Union’s forthcoming Thanksgiving Service scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Qua Iboe Church, Abak Itenge.
The Speaker noted that journalists have continued to play a vital role in keeping the people of Akwa Ibom State informed about the activities of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, as well as issues affecting citizens at the grassroots.
He expressed appreciation to the Union for selecting Abak Itenge as the host community for the 2026 Thanksgiving Service, describing the choice as a great honour to the Abak Constituency.
The Speaker described thanksgiving as an expression of gratitude to God for His faithfulness, stressing that commencing the year with a thanksgiving service underscores the Union’s dependence on God for guidance and success.
He also highlighted the historical significance of Qua Iboe Church, founded in 1887, noting that its rich spiritual heritage would bring blessings to members of the Union as they gather in thanksgiving.
While assuring the NUJ of his readiness to host members at a reception after the church service, Elder Otong urged the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, to build on the achievements of his predecessor, work towards further strengthening the Union.
In his remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, thanked the Speaker for his support and willingness to host journalists during the programme, reiterating the Union’s commitment to professionalism, ethical standards and responsible reporting in the state.
Comrade John explained that the Union’s annual Thanksgiving Service, held across the three senatorial districts with host communities rotating among the ten federal constituencies, was designed to take the Union’s activities to the hinterlands, rather than concentrating solely on urban centres.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the 2026 Thanksgiving Service Committee, Comrade Gabriel Ekaidem, disclosed that the theme of the service is “Anchored in God, Advancing with Vision,” drawn from Proverbs 3:5.
