By Ndifreke Akpan
UYO – The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has urged members of the newly inaugurated Aviation Correspondents of Akwa Ibom State, ACAKS, to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy and ethics in reporting the aviation sector.
John gave the charge on Thursday during the inauguration of ACAKS at the Israel Umoh Conference Hall of the NUJ Press Centre, Uyo.
Represented by the Vice Chairman, Comrade Margaret Moore, the NUJ Chairman described aviation as a critical and sensitive sector that demands diligence and responsible reportage.
He cautioned members against rushing to publish unverified information, stressing that journalists must cross-check facts and ensure accuracy at all times.
“Aviation is too sensitive for errors. Report only what you have verified. Your work must also be in harmony and contribute meaningfully to the development of Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
John commended the Chairman of ACAKS, Comrade Charles Bassey Silas, for establishing the corps following the mandate given by the State Council at its monthly congress to create specialised beats. He assured ACAKS of the Council’s support and urged the corps to keep the NUJ informed of its major activities.
In his remarks, the Chairman of ACAKS, Comrade Charles Bassey Silas, thanked the NUJ leadership for approving the inauguration and for supporting the creation of specialised beats.
Bassey lauded Nsibiet John for what he described as “impactful leadership” within his first year in office, noting that the successes recorded by the NUJ in the state could not be discussed without acknowledging his contributions.
He explained that ACAKS was formed to address the gap in professional coverage of key sectors, with aviation being a priority.
“Aviation is critical. The airport is the first point of entry into our state. As journalists, we are the mirror through which society sees itself. The era where visitors tell our aviation story must give way to us telling our own story,” Bassey said.
He disclosed that ACAKS has already secured partnerships with key aviation unions. Representatives of the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals, ANAP, and the National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE were present at the inauguration as a demonstration of that commitment.
Bassey noted that the Akwa Ibom Government, under Governor Umo Eno, is driving rapid development at the airport in line with a tourism-focused agenda. He said ACAKS will ensure professional reportage of projects including the smart airport, the MRO facility, and Ibom Air’s fleet expansion.
He also announced two major initiatives: the launch of *Ibom Aviation Journal* in September as part of the state’s 39th anniversary, and an advanced-stage discussion with NTA Uyo for a 30-minute television programme dedicated to aviation.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Chairman of ATSSAN and Auditor-General of TUC Akwa Ibom, Comrade Ubong Samuel, described ACAKS as a welcome development that will ease the burden of public communication for aviation unions.
He, however, raised concern over what he called a deficit in personnel training at the airport, warning that facilities could deteriorate without competent staff to operate them. He urged ACAKS to amplify the call for training and capacity building, and assured the corps of a robust partnership.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, Comrade Ukeme Isaac, said the inauguration of ACAKS was long overdue. He noted that the corps will help bridge the information gap between airport management and the public.
Isaac urged ACAKS to use professional journalism to sensitise Akwa Ibom people on the vast opportunities in the state’s aviation ecosystem, stressing that collaboration between stakeholders and the media will boost public understanding and attract more investment to the sector.
