Akakan Umoh
Akwa Ibom Government has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment for a strong partnership with the media professionals due to their collaborative contributions to the development of the state.
Speaking on Monday, June 29, 2026, when he received the leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom Council, who paid a courtesy visit on him at Government House, Uyo, the State Governor Umo Eno lauded the union and its members for their professionalism.
Governor Eno particularly applauded the journalists for their unwavering support in projecting the policies and programmes of his administration, especially the implementation of the ARISE Agenda, which serves as the blueprint for the state’s development.
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He described the media as a critical partner in governance, noting that the union’s constructive engagement and responsible reportage have contributed significantly to informing the public and promoting government initiatives.
The Governor expressed confidence in the NUJ leadership, and urged members to be committed to ethical journalism, balanced reporting, and for continued promotion of peace, unity and development of the state.
On the weigh-in allowance for omitted journalists in the employ of state government, Eno announced approval for such payment, noting that if some journalists were already collecting the allowance, it was necessary to extend same to others.
The Governor acknowledged that some journalists, especially members of the Government House Press Corps, work extra hours and deserve some benefits, urging the Head of Civil Service to act on the directive immediately.
Eno, who said the State under his leadership was committed to the welfare of the citizenry, pledged to continue to transforming the state by delivering on his campaign promises as contained in the ARISE Agenda.
He said there were ongoing developmental gains in the state under his watch, but stressed that meaningful progress requires intentional leadership and deliberate action that cannot occur by automatic expectations.
The Governor congratulated the NUJ leadership on its successful election, and appreciated the union for partnering his administration to achieve meaninful development.
Eno urged the union to join hands in promoting the State’s development strides, as his administration gears towards making the state a tourism destination.
The State Chairman of the Union, Comrade Nsibiet John, commended the Governor for his laudable support to the union since the inception of his administration.
He said the visit was to present the new leadership of the union to the Governor, and to register the union’s appreciation over his support and purposeful leadership.
The Chairman noted that the Governor remains the most media friendly in the country, and highlighted some of his achievements to include the completion of an abandoned facility at the union’s Press Centre, the Patience Umo Eno Hall, which he said was abandoned for over 18 years; brand new cars to the immediate past leadership of the union, and appointment of journalists to serve in his administration.
John said the union was serious in its fight against quackery and fake news, and assured that it would continue to remain a partner in the development of the state.
