NUJ leadership summit charts new course for professionalism, union growth in Akwa Ibom
••• as stakeholders hail Nsibiet John on renewed leadership
By Emmanuel Sampson
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, ethical journalism, members’ welfare, and institutional reforms at a high-level Leadership Summit held to mark the first anniversary of the Comrade Nsibiet John-led State Working Committee.
The summit, held on Thursday at the NUJ Press Centre in Uyo, brought together members of the State Executive Committee (SEC), chapel officers, and some of the most respected veterans and stakeholders in the media and labour sectors for what participants described as a robust engagement on leadership, professionalism, and the future of journalism.
Some of the distinguished personalities at the event included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (Brand Management), Mr. Raphael Edem; former State Chairman of NUJ, Barr. Innocent Okon; Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Sunny James; Chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Comrade Manasseh Umoette; and President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Anestina Iweh.
The summit featured insightful paper presentations on leadership, constitutional compliance, media protocols, and ethical journalism, providing participants with practical knowledge and strategies for effective union administration.
Speaking during the summit, the Chairman of the Occasion and former National Assembly member, Barr Onofiok Luke, charged union leaders to cultivate personal discipline as the foundation of effective leadership.
“You can’t lead others until you lead yourself,” he said, stressing that exemplary leadership begins with self-development and integrity.
Delivering the keynote address, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniekan Umanah, challenged journalists to rise to the demands of a rapidly evolving media landscape by strengthening professionalism, safeguarding press freedom, and embracing innovation without compromising ethical standards.
“Every generation of journalists encounters defining moments. I believe this is ours—the moment to strengthen press freedom, modernise our Union, embrace technology without sacrificing ethics, improve members’ welfare, deepen strategic partnerships, raise professional standards, and prepare the next generation of media leaders.
“As we reflect on the future of journalism in Akwa Ibom, let’s consider editorial independence, press freedom, and the improvement and sustainability of members’ welfare.
“That is leadership. The strength of every profession lies in the quality of its members, and today this Union has fulfilled the saying,” Umanah stated.
Also speaking, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh, urged journalists to exercise responsibility and professionalism in their reportage, stressing the need for accuracy and constructive journalism.
“There’s no redeeming value in executing unsanitized reportage. We have an exceptional State led over the years by exceptional leaders. We have a megaphone and should use it to help define and redefine the essence of good governance,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, stated that the leadership summit was organised to equip union leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
“As journalists entrusted with leading our colleagues, we often face challenges that are difficult to comprehend. There is a common expectation that, as leaders, we should have answers to every question posed to us. This is one of the reasons we convened this leadership summit,” he explained.
Comrade Nsibiet John further disclosed that the council has invested over N8 million in members’ welfare within the past year and remains committed to promoting professionalism while protecting the rights and interests of journalists.
“We do not perceive criticism from the media as an attack. Instead, we accept it in good faith as a call to improve and perform better. We will continue to foster professionalism among our members and safeguard their rights and welfare,” Nsibiet added.
Also speaking, the Pioneer Treasurer of the NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council and General Manager of Redemption FM, Abak, Comrade Comfort Umanah, emphasised the importance of constitutional compliance in union administration.
“For any union leader to effectively coordinate the affairs of the Union and fulfil their duties, reading and understanding the Union’s Constitution is as indispensable as reading the Bible,” she asserted.
At the conclusion of the summit, participants adopted a communiqué commending the Comrade Nsibiet John-led administration for its achievements during its first year in office and pledged continued support for its vision to strengthen the Union.
The communiqué also commended Governor Umo Eno for maintaining a cordial relationship with the NUJ and supporting the media in Akwa Ibom State.
It reaffirmed the NUJ as the only legally recognised umbrella body for practising journalists in Nigeria and distanced the Union from any splinter groups claiming to represent journalists.
Furthermore, the participants resolved to uphold ethical journalism, institutionalise regular capacity-building programmes, pursue sustainable housing initiatives for journalists, and establish a Media Ombudsman mechanism to enhance public trust and accountability.
The communiqué underscored strict adherence to the NUJ Constitution, respect for constituted authority, ongoing leadership development, financial literacy training, mentorship, networking, and stronger collaboration among members.
Political leaders, public office holders, and citizens were also advised to refrain from divisive rhetoric and misinformation that could threaten the peace, unity, and development of Akwa Ibom State and the South-South region.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment by the NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council to defend press freedom, advance journalists’ welfare, promote responsible journalism, and contribute meaningfully to democratic governance and sustainable development.
Participants received Certificates of Participation in recognition of their active involvement in the capacity-building programme.
