EDITORIAL
The completion of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Auditorium Complex, Akwa Ibom State Council, which looked like a herculean task, has become a fulfilled dream.
The inauguration of the magnificent but state-of-the-art Auditorium, completed by Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has resulted in a celebration, posing a challenge to many who dare to try and believe in the can-do spirit.
The project, sited at NUJ Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo, was initiated and executed by the EXCO of Comrade Israel Umoh as Chairman; Bassey Eyo (now Dr) – Vice Chairman; Justice Udousoro – Secretary; Charles Obot (now Prof) – Assistant Secretary; Friday Umoh – Treasurer; Dennis Umoh – Financial Secretary; Mfon Ekefre – Auditor, while Boniface Esu (now Barr.) and Mrs. Eme Atakpo, all served as Ex-officio members.
Also read: Gov Eno inaugurates NUJ Auditorium Complex, Presents cars to Journalists
Despite its envisioning, the project would have been a mirage without the support and sponsorship of ExxonMobil.
Upon receiving the building plan and proposal from the union, the multinational approved and released an initial and final N2.5 million to the union for the execution of the project.
The project, executed 20 years ago, became abandoned as successive NUJ administrations turned blind eyes, framing excuses of purported structural defects on the project.
Yet, the auditorium was the loser as it became a foot mat of rainy and dry harsh weather conditions.
The coming of Amos Etuk as the State Chairman six years ago became a blessing in disguise and upturned the applecart of the project as he developed a deep but burning passion and pursued with vigour and sincere commitment the completion of the long-neglected project.
It was Etuk who launched several appeals and requests at media chats to Governor Eno, the modern-day redeemer of the project.
Touched by the appeals, Governor Eno willingly turned listening ears, and took the smartest action by awarding a contract under Direct Labour Inter-ministerial jobs for the construction of the Auditorium.
As Maya Angelou wisely said, “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” Truly, we encountered defeats, but we were unbowed and unbent by defeats and delays.
Just like a pregnant woman who with bated breath expected and witnessed the birth of a newborn baby, Israel Umoh’s craving was realisation of the long-cherished dream borne out of years of neglect and abandonment.
At the colorful occasion enlivened by a standby band and attended by dignitaries, including the NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, Etuk named the project: Patience (Kemi) Umo Eno Auditorium, in honour of the late Governor’s wife’s humanitarian legacies and services.
In reciprocation, the Governor commended the union for the naming and appointed the outgone Chairman as a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media. He promptly redeemed the donation of 11 cars to members of the State Working Committee (SWC), a pledge made during the 2025 NUJ Thanksgiving service at his hometown- Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
In all, Straightnews online acknowledges the Governor’s magnanimous gesture in completing and inaugurating the project in record time.
He has succeeded in rewriting the chequered history between the union and the government as a promise keeper and architect of empowerment, jettisoning Pa Obafemi Awolowo’s postulation: Journalists are the flotsams and jetsams of Nigerian intelligentsia.
However, we appreciate the undying effort and firm determination of Mrs Nene Affia who headed Completion of the project Committee. She arduously believed that the house was not defective and she invited the initiator to come and make pronouncements for the completion of the project. This was done and the auditorium got ‘rain’ that has seen the glimmering light of the day.
To whom much is given, much is expected, so says the book of elders. Let journalists write responsible but constructive criticisms to accelerate the development pace of the state, abhorring biased, sentimental, and gutter journalism.
To the journalists, make good use of the infrastructure, and let the union make judicious use of the revenue to accrue from it to benefit most financially ailing members.
May this legacy stand as a testament of hope, a fuel of good dreams, an article of faith, a mark of professionalism, and a sceptre of innovation and collaboration among journalists for generations to come.
