Akwa Ibom Information Commissioner Commends Gov. Umo Eno’s Media-Friendly Leadership, Seeks Stronger NUJ Partnership
Reported by Fact Harbour News
UYO – Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, has praised Governor Umo Eno for maintaining a transparent and cordial relationship with the media, describing the administration as one that recognizes journalists as critical partners in promoting good governance and sustainable development.
Speaking while delivering the keynote address at the Leadership Summit for the State Working Committee and Chapel Officials of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Dr. Umanah called on journalists to continue supporting initiatives that foster peace, unity and development across the state.
He noted that Governor Umo Eno’s administration has consistently demonstrated its commitment to transparency, accountability and open communication by maintaining constructive engagement with media practitioners while also implementing policies aimed at improving journalists’ welfare.
According to the Commissioner, the media remains one of the most important institutions in any democratic society, serving as a bridge between government and the people through accurate, balanced and responsible reporting.
He urged journalists to remain committed to professionalism, objectivity and ethical journalism, especially as Nigeria gradually approaches another political season. He emphasized that the media should encourage issue-based political campaigns by focusing on policies, governance and measurable development outcomes rather than personalities or divisive rhetoric.
Highlighting achievements of the ARISE Administration, Dr. Umanah cited several landmark projects being executed across the state, including the ongoing Oron Maritime Hub, major road infrastructure projects, ARISE Compassionate Homes, healthcare and education interventions, as well as the recent approval of ₦1 billion for each of the 31 Local Government Areas.
He explained that the ₦31 billion intervention is designed to stimulate grassroots economic development, strengthen local governance and improve the quality of life of residents in communities across Akwa Ibom State.
The Commissioner also encouraged the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists to organize inspection tours of government projects to enable journalists witness ongoing developmental initiatives firsthand.
He specifically recommended a visit to the Oron Maritime Hub, describing it as one of the signature projects of Governor Umo Eno’s administration that will significantly boost maritime activities, commerce and economic development within the state.
According to him, firsthand assessment of government projects would enable journalists to provide factual, balanced and comprehensive reports to the public.
Declaring the summit open, the Chairman of the occasion and former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke, congratulated the Chairman of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, on his successful first year in office.
He also commended the union for organizing the leadership summit, stressing that effective leadership requires continuous learning, mentorship, integrity and selfless service.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Comrade Nsibiet John explained that the summit was organised to strengthen the leadership capacity of members of the State Working Committee and Chapel Executives, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage leadership responsibilities despite prevailing challenges.
He noted that the programme was also designed to prepare union leaders to make informed decisions, strengthen internal administration and promote professionalism within the journalism profession.
Several goodwill messages were delivered during the event by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerette Udoh, Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Sunny James, and State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Anestina Iweh.
The speakers described the summit as timely and impactful, noting that it provided participants with an opportunity to learn, unlearn and relearn the enduring principles of leadership, accountability and public service.
The summit also featured technical sessions delivered by Comrade Comfort Umanah, retired Director of Information and Managing Director of Redemption FM, who presented a paper titled “Understanding Leadership in the Union,” and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Branding, Mr. Raphael Edem, who spoke on “Protocols: A Necessity for NUJ Leaders.”
The event attracted former Commissioner for Information Barr. Ini Ememobong, government aides, former leaders of the NUJ, members of the State Working Committee, Chapel Executives, media professionals and other stakeholders from the journalism and labour communities, reinforcing the commitment of the union to building effective leadership and strengthening collaboration with government for the overall development of Akwa Ibom State.