RismadarVoice Reporters, April 28, 2026
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has described advocacy journalism as a powerful instrument for societal advancement, urging journalists to deploy it as a strategic tool for participatory development and good governance.
He made the call during a workshop organised by the Consolidated Chapel of the NUJ as part of activities marking its 2026 Press Week, themed “ Utilising Advocacy Journalism for Participatory Development in Akwa Ibom State .”
The workshop focused on repositioning journalists as active contributors to social transformation through development-oriented reporting that amplifies citizens’ voices, promotes accountability and supports sustainable growth.
Declaring the workshop open, Comrade Nsibiet John urged media practitioners to take the lead in initiating ideas and actions capable of positively impacting their communities.
He said journalists should see themselves not merely as observers, but as catalysts for development, stressing that advocacy reporting must be pursued with professionalism, objectivity and discipline.
The NUJ Chairman also commended the leadership of the Consolidated Chapel for organising the workshop and charged participants to apply the knowledge gained in advancing development-focused journalism.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Consolidated Chapel, Comrade John Okon, said the workshop was conceived to deepen understanding of journalism’s role in fostering public engagement and influencing development outcomes.
According to him, the evolving media environment requires journalists to go beyond routine reporting by championing truth, accountability and the concerns of underserved populations.
Presenting a paper at the workshop, communication scholar, Dr Abasifreke Idiong, identified advocacy journalism as an approach that connects reporting with action, particularly in addressing social and economic challenges.
He noted that participatory development thrives when communities are involved in decisions affecting them and maintained that the media has a crucial responsibility in mobilising citizens, tracking policies and sustaining conversations that lead to inclusive development.
Dr Idiong further advocated research-based reporting, stakeholder engagement and accountability monitoring as practical tools journalists can use to support development processes.
Former NUJ Chairman and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media, Comrade Amos Etuk, in a goodwill message, lauded the initiative and commended the quality of discussions at the workshop.
Other contributors, including Comrade Uwem Ekoh and the Chapel Secretary, Comrade Augustine Akpan, also stressed the importance of applying advocacy principles in daily journalism practice.
Participants drawn from the media, academia and the public described the workshop as a timely intervention aimed at strengthening journalism’s contribution to development in Akwa Ibom State.
