Journalists in Akwa Ibom State have been charged to deploy solution-based reporting to counter misinformation, sensationalism and divisive narratives.
By, according to the Chairman of Abak Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Ime Effiong Charles, replacing them with facts, context, and hope-driven stories would promote unity, peace and responsible citizenship.
Mrs Charles, who gave the charge during the 2026 Thanksgiving Service by Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom Council at Qua Iboe Church, Abak Itenge in Abak Local Government Area on Sunday, remarked that ”Through solution-based journalism, I urge you all to highlight best practices, successful policies, community-driven initiatives, and innovative ideas that are making a difference within Akwa Ibom State and beyond.
‘‘By engaging experts, policy makers, civil society, and the people directly affected, the media can help shape informed public dialogue and influence effective decision-making.
”Today, I encourage journalists to deliberately embrace solution-based journalism—a form of reporting that goes beyond identifying problems to interrogating why they exist and how they can be addressed. Our society faces critical challenges such as youth unemployment, insecurity, poverty, corruption, environmental degradation, declining moral values, and gaps in service delivery. These issues demand not only exposure, but informed analysis and constructive solutions.”
Speaking on the theme “Anchored in God, Advancing with Vision,” she said ”When journalists are anchored in God, their words build rather than break; when guided by vision, their work inspires reform and progress than regression,” commending NUJ for its commitment to ethical journalism.”
The Chairman donated N500,000 to aid the church in completing its ongoing building and N500,000 to the union for fuelling of vehicles that conveyed journalists to the ceremony.
At the service, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno commended the NUJ for standing consistently against falsehood and for disseminating information about the state’s activities and development within and beyond Akwa Ibom. He praised the union for recognising the place of God in public affairs and urged journalists to remain professional, noting that responsible journalism is essential for societal progress.
The governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Elder Aniekan Umanah, called on the NUJ Chairman to continue educating members on the true tenets of journalism, stressing that the misuse of social media as a tool for misinformation and indolence poses a threat to social harmony.
“Freedom of the press is important,” the governor noted, but it has its limits. “It does not extend to defamation, libel or falsehood.”
He, therefore, urged journalists to adhere strictly to professional guidelines to mitigate misinformation capable of triggering unrest.
As the state’s Chief Security Officer, the governor assured the NUJ of sustained partnership, expressing confidence that Akwa Ibom would continue to evolve into a productive peaceful and attractive destination for both citizens and investors.
The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly Speaker Udeme Otong, who is also the 2026 host of the NUJ New Year Thanksgiving, thanked the union for choosing Abak for the event and prayed for sustained growth, acknowledging that constructive criticism from the media has helped public institutions improve.
In his goodwill message, a member of the National Assembly representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, Arch. Clement Jimbo, described thanksgiving as a worthy exercise, praising the NUJ for acknowledging God as the author and finisher of faith. He charged journalists to project society positively by amplifying stories that inspire progress.
Speaking too, Senator Effiong Bob who declared himself as critical stakeholder in the media industry in that he has employed journalists in Comfort FM, Uyo while Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien admitted that he has joined in training of journalists through the establishment of the Department of Mass Communications in the Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, advising journalists to be professional in their duty to build a better and virile society.
A one-time National Legal Adviser of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Emmanuel Enoidem urged journalists to be firm and courageous in reporting, but to be undeterred in bein truthful and transparent in their work.
Enoidem, urged journalists to define their visions clearly and anchor them in God while reminding them of their constitutional role as the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
Members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Elder Udeme Otong, alongside other lawmakers, expressed appreciation for journalists’ contributions to governance and pledged continued support.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Akwa Ibom Council, Comrade Sunny James and Trade Union Congress, Akwa Ibom Council, Comrade Kingsley Akpan, congratulated NUJ on the thanksgiving service and prayed for unity and understanding among various trade unions in the state.
Addressing the congregation at the service, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John urged journalists to momentarily set aside the rigours of the profession and focus on gratitude. In a light hearted but pointed remark, he reminded the congregation of journalism’s watchdog role.
“As journalists, we do not mind our business because what you do concerns us,” he said smiling. “That is why we remain alert to ensure that state actors and elected officials do what they were elected to do. If we step on your toes do not misunderstand us. It is our job. We are your friends, please forgive us.”
He assured stakeholders that journalists would continue to discharge their duties with professionalism and humility insisting that the press cannot deliberately betray the public trust.
Addressing managers of organisations and political office holders the NUJ Chairman emphasised that the union is firmly rooted in truth, objectivity, accuracy, fairness and credibility, urging them to engage journalists transparently and in good faith.
He reaffirmed the union’s readiness to deliver greater impact within and beyond the state, tasking practitioners to raise their standards and sharpen their goals in the new year.
Earlier, the General Superintendent of Qua Iboe Church and chairman of conference, Rev. Ekpedeme Moffat Effanga, had read from Proverbs 3:5-6, and urged journalists to remain steadfast in faith regardless of life’s turbulence.
Speaking on the theme, Effanga reminded journalists that God must remain their anchor in a profession often defined by pressure, uncertainty and public scrutiny.
He described the Bible as an inexhaustible source of wisdom and strength, encouraging media practitioners to continually refuel their reservoirs with optimism and hope for a sustainable future.
Members of the union drawn from across the state took one heart into the church offering thanksgiving for the relative peace the council has enjoyed in past years.
