The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has honoured by naming its rebranded Conference Hall after a Past Chairman of the Council, Comrade Israel Umoh, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the infrastructural development of the Union.
The facility will henceforth be known as the Israel Umoh Conference Hall.
The honour was bestowed on Comrade Umoh during a brief but colourful ceremony held on Tuesday, 21 July, 2026, immediately after the State Congress at the NUJ Press Centre, Uyo.
Speaking during the unveiling of the newly named Comrade Israel Umoh Conference Room, the State Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John said the decision was a deliberate effort by the present leadership to recognise and celebrate individuals whose selfless service laid a solid foundation for the union’s growth.
Comrade John recalled that during his tenure as Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Council from 2004 to 2007, Umoh completed the NUJ Secretariat building, which houses the newly renamed conference hall, furnished the facility, and saw to its commissioning by the then Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Arc. Obong Victor Attah, on November 21, 2005.
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The NUJ Chairman further noted that Comrade Umoh also laid the foundation and constructed the 2000-sitting capacity NUJ Auditorium to a lintel level, a landmark project that was eventually completed and commissioned by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, on August 1, 2025.
He stated that naming the conference room after the former chairman was a fitting tribute to a leader whose commitment and vision helped shape the NUJ into what it is today.
According to him, the union believes that exceptional service should be acknowledged, adding that it is important to honour those who have made lasting impacts while they are still alive to appreciate the recognition.
“This is one of the ways we can preserve the history of our union and inspire both present and future generations of journalists. Comrade Israel Umoh served the union diligently and contributed immensely to the development of our structures. It is only appropriate that we celebrate and immortalise his legacy while he is with us,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to all past leaders of the Council for their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the NUJ in Akwa Ibom State, noting that the achievements being celebrated today were made possible by the sacrifices of successive administrations.
Responding, an emotional Comrade Israel Umoh thanked the leadership of the Union for the honour, saying he was deeply humbled to witness such recognition during his lifetime.
“This is a very remarkable thing that has been done by the Union for me while I’m alive. It would have been tragic if the Hall was named after me posthumously,” he said.
He described the gesture as deeply humbling and assured members that he would continue to support the progress of the NUJ whenever called upon. He commended the current leadership for promoting a culture of appreciation and institutional memory within the union.
Comrade Umoh also offered prayers for Comrade Nsibiet John and his administration, asking God to grant them wisdom, strength, good health, and a peaceful, successful tenure that would further unite the union and advance the welfare of journalists across Akwa Ibom State.
Also speaking, former leaders of the Council, Comrade Friday Umoh, Comrade Uduak Ekong and Comrade Amos Etuk commended the current leadership for honouring one of their own, describing the gesture as a worthy recognition of dedicated service.
They prayed for greater peace, unity and progress in the Union under the leadership of Comrade Nsibiet John, while urging members to continue supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening the NUJ and advancing the welfare of journalists in Akwa Ibom State.
Background to the Hall Naming
Comrade Umoh moved the union from the rented 8 Nwaniba Road, Uyo to the permanent site, NUJ Press Centre, Uyo, as part his campaign promises.
As part of the naming the hall, Comrade John, who presided over State Advisory Council (SAC) meeting, a body comprising past Chairmen and past Secretaries of the State Council, announced the decision of the State Working Committee (SWC) during a meeting at NUJ Press Centre, Uyo on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
The SWC comprises the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Fiancnial Secretary, Auditor and toe Ex-Officio members of the union.
Some past Chairmen present at the SAC meeting were Comrades Ikpong Essien-Udom, Innocent Okon, Sunday Antai, Ephraim Etti, Joe Effiong, and Amos Etuk as well as past Secretaries – Charles Ebong, Godwin Okon, Etop Eshiet and Justice Udousoro- who spoke in glowing terms about the State Chairman and congratulated Comrade Umoh on the naming of the hall after him.
The matter was later approved by members of the State Executive Council (SEC) of the union.
Finally, the State Chairman, Comrade John took the naming to the State Congress of the Union on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
When the Chairman put the naming of the hall after Comrade Umoh into motion, Comrade Uwem Ekoh moved for adoption of the motion while Mkpoikana Enoh seconded the motion. The naming was unanimously adopted by the State Congress of the union.
Reported by journalist Dianime Uko
