By Emmanuel Sampson
Insight Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has honoured the Chairman of Etinan Local Government and publisher, Hon. Uko Umoh, with an Award of Excellence for his contributions to grassroots governance, development, and people-centred initiatives.
Presenting the award to the Etinan council boss on Wednesday, as part of the activities marking the Chapel’s 13th anniversary celebration, the Chairman of Insight Chapel, Comrade Itoro Bassey, acknowledged Hon. Umoh’s transformative leadership, good governance, and impactful developmental projects that have significantly improved the lives of the people in Etinan.
Bassey, accompanied by Comrade Emmanuel Sampson, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Chapel’s 13th anniversary celebration, stated that local government is where governance directly impacts the lives of the people.
“The ultra-modern bus terminus in Etinan, your commercial agriculture initiatives, the multi-million naira empowerment programmes your administration has provided for beneficiaries engaged in various vocations across the Local Government Area, and the job opportunities you have facilitated for the youth, among others, are some of the commendable initiatives we have observed”
Bassey added that by honoring Hon. Umoh, who has demonstrated excellence in infrastructure and human capacity building, the Chapel aims to set a standard and inspire others to prioritise people-centered governance.
The Chapel leadership commended Hon. Umoh for his continued support of the media community, particularly in the growth and development of young reporters and editors through his newspaper, The NigeriaPULSE.
Responding, Hon Umoh, who described the recognition as a motivation to intensify service delivery, said it would further strengthen his resolve to drive sustainable development within Etinan Local Government Area.
Reflecting on his relationship with journalists, Umoh said he was proud to have mentored many members of the profession.
“As far as the media are concerned in Akwa Ibom State, I think I’m a grandfather. That’s true, because about 50 per cent of the journalists working in this state passed through my tutelage,” he said.
Umoh also said the award reminded him of his relationship with Barr. David Augustine, the publisher of Weekly Insight Newspaper, whom he described as sound and humble.
He acknowledged the contributions of current NUJ leaders in the state and said he would remain grateful to journalists for their role in his life and career, promising continued support for members of the profession.
“The media is my primary constituency. I am most honoured, and I will continue to support journalists in this state because I cannot forget them. I will never forget them,” he stated.
Umoh appealed to journalists to support the Pastor Umo Eno administration through responsible and balanced journalism.
He added that the governor’s achievements in maintaining peace, promoting development, and empowering citizens in the state were commendable.
In particular, the Council Chairman praised Governor Eno for the Youth Development Centres being built across all the 31 local government areas of the state under the government’s ARISE Agenda.
He said the ICT and creative digital hubs, e-libraries, and co-working spaces would facilitate the training of thousands of youth annually.
