… stakeholders hail Nsibiet John on renewed leadership
By Emmanuel Sampson
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, ethical journalism, members’ welfare and institutional reforms at a high-level Leadership Summit held to mark the first anniversary of the Comrade Nsibiet John-led State Working Committee.
The summit, held on Thursday at the NUJ Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo, brought together members of the State Working Committee, Chapel Officers and some of the most respected veterans and stakeholders in the media and labour sectors for what participants described as a robust engagement on leadership, professionalism and the future of journalism.
Distinguished personalities at the event included the Chairman of the Occasion, Rt. Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke, Ph.D.; the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, Ph.D., who delivered the keynote address; Mr. Raphael Edem; Comrade Comfort Umanah; Barr. Innocent Okon; the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Sunny James; the State President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Anestina Iweh; and the Chairman of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, CPS to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udo.
The summit featured insightful paper presentations on leadership, constitutional compliance, media protocols and ethical journalism, providing participants with practical knowledge and strategies for effective union administration.
Speaking during the summit, Chairman of the Occasion, Rt. Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke, Ph.D., charged union leaders to cultivate personal discipline as the foundation of effective leadership.
“You can’t lead others until you lead yourself,” he said, stressing that exemplary leadership begins with self-development and integrity.
Delivering the keynote address, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umana, Ph.D. challenged journalists to rise to the demands of a rapidly evolving media landscape by strengthening professionalism, safeguarding press freedom and embracing innovation without compromising ethical standards.
“Every generation of journalists encounters defining moments. I believe this is ours, the moment to strengthen press freedom, modernise our Union, embrace technology without sacrificing ethics, improve members’ welfare, deepen strategic partnerships, raise professional standards and prepare the next generation of media leaders.
“As we reflect on the future of journalism in Akwa Ibom, let’s consider editorial independence, press freedom and the improvement and sustainability of members’ welfare. That is leadership. The strength of every profession lies in the quality of its members, and today this Union has fulfilled the saying,” Umanah stated.
Also speaking, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh, urged journalists to exercise responsibility and professionalism in their reportage, stressing the need for accuracy and constructive journalism.
“There’s no redeeming value in executing unsanitized reportage. We have an exceptional State led over the years by exceptional leaders. We have a megaphone and we should use that megaphone to help in defining and redefining the essence of good governance,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, said the leadership summit was conceived to equip union leaders with the skills and knowledge required to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
“As journalists entrusted with leading our colleagues, we often face challenges that are difficult to understand. There is a common belief that, as leaders, we should have answers to every question thrown at us. That is one of the reasons for organising this leadership summit,” he said.
According to him, the council has invested over N8 million in members’ welfare within one year and remains committed to promoting professionalism while protecting the rights and interests of journalists.
“We do not regard criticism from the media as an attack. Rather, we receive it in good faith as a call to improve and do better. We will continue to promote professionalism among our members and protect their rights and welfare,” Nsibiet added.
Also speaking, Pioneer Treasurer of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council and General Manager of Redemption FM, Abak, Comrade Comfort Umanah, underscored the importance of constitutional compliance in union administration.
“For any union leader to effectively coordinate the affairs of the Union and discharge the responsibilities of office, reading and understanding the Constitution of the Union is as indispensable as reading the Bible,” she stated.
At the end of the summit, participants adopted a communiqué commending the Comrade Nsibiet John-led administration for its achievements within its first year in office and pledged continued support for its vision of strengthening the Union.
The summit also applauded Governor Umo Eno for maintaining a cordial relationship with the NUJ and supporting the media in Akwa Ibom State, reaffirmed that the NUJ remains the only legally recognised umbrella body for practising journalists in Nigeria and dissociated the Union from any splinter groups claiming to represent journalists.
They resolved to uphold ethical journalism, institutionalized regular capacity-building programmes, pursue sustainable housing initiatives for journalists and create a Media Ombudsman mechanism to enhance public trust and accountability.
The communiqué further emphasised strict adherence to the NUJ Constitution, respect for constituted authority, continuous leadership development, financial literacy training, mentorship, networking and stronger collaboration among members.
At the summit, political leaders, public office holders and citizens were advised to avoid divisive rhetoric and misinformation capable of threatening the peace, unity and development of Akwa Ibom State and the South-South region.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment by the NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council to defending press freedom, advancing journalists’ welfare, promoting responsible journalism and contributing meaningfully to democratic governance and sustainable development.
Participants who attended the summit received Certificates of Participation in recognition of their active involvement in the capacity-building programme.
