Journalists commend SUMEDHA Energy, Ibom Developers for community-centred initiatives
• Chairman of Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Bassey Akra, presenting the award to Mrs. Uduak Ekpo, Media Manager of the company
In a bid to highlight the collaboration between the media and development-focused corporate entities, the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has awarded SUMEDHA Energy Ltd (formerly NOSL) and Ibom Developers Free Zone Enterprise (FZE) with an Excellence Award for their outstanding dedication to grassroots development and corporate responsibility.
The award ceremony, held in Uyo, underscored the vital importance of strategic partnerships in meeting community needs and fostering sustainable development.
Comrade Bassey Akra, Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, applauded both companies for their commitment to a participatory development model that consistently prioritizes humanitarian initiatives and local collaboration.
“They have not only demonstrated responsible corporate behaviour, but have embedded community trust into their operating model,” he noted.
State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, echoed this sentiment, describing the honoured companies as “model partners” in the shared mission to build inclusive, peaceful communities.
He referenced Ibom Developers FZE’s role in restoring peace to the Eastern Obolo area by facilitating the reopening of the Ikonta/Obianga creek, an action he said reaffirmed the company’s authentic concern for community welfare.
Etuk emphasised the media’s unique position in strengthening such corporate-community alliances, stating, “We must work together to ensure that the impact being made is accurately captured, amplified, and replicated.”
In his remarks, a former Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Idongesit Ashemeri, encouraged ongoing collaboration with the media through training initiatives, support for journalism tools, and open-door engagement policies — all crucial to fostering transparency and mutual respect.
Representing the award recipients, Mrs. Uduak Ekpo, Media Manager for Akwa Ibom, thanked the NUJ for the recognition and reaffirmed the companies’ enduring commitment to inclusive development.
She clarified misconceptions surrounding the identity of their operating entities, noting that SUMEDHA Energy Ltd and Ibom Developers FZE, not Sterling Global, are the active players in Akwa Ibom State.
Mrs. Ekpo also highlighted several milestone interventions by the companies, including educational scholarships and grants, women-focused empowerment initiatives, free medical outreach programs, and over 50 sponsored eye surgeries.
Additionally, she said ths companies gave assistive support for people with disabilities, road and infrastructure projects, and support for local fishermen through tools and training, resulting in over 70% employment of indigenous personnel.
She urged the media to continue its supportive role in bridging communication gaps and promoting evidence-based narratives regarding corporate social investments.
“This award reminds us that true development thrives on partnership,” she said, “and we are committed to expanding our impact with the media as a key ally.”
