"Women Must Take Centre Stage in Community Development" - NGO

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot 

The Uyo Branch of the Destined Women and Child Foundation (DWCF) has called for greater empowerment and active participation of women in community development, stressing that no society can achieve sustainable progress when women, youths and children are left behind. 

The call was made on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Foundation’s inaugural public lecture held at Government Primary School, Afaha Ikot Obio Nkan, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State by her Founder, Chief Stella Elijah Etim.

The lecture, themed “The Role of Women in Community Development,” was delivered by Dr. Paul Bassey Okon, while the Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, Dr. Eric Odo, chaired the occasion.

In her remarks, Founder of DWCF, Chief Stella Elijah Etim, said the foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation legally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in Abuja in 2011, was established out of the conviction that meaningful development must be inclusive. 

She said DWCF is committed to empowering women and youths, protecting vulnerable children and contributing to community development through healthcare, education, economic empowerment, agriculture, skills acquisition, capacity building, public participation and rural infrastructure.

Etim explained that the foundation had, across its areas of operation, provided shelter for women, potable water through borehole projects, educational assistance, free medical services, food and clothing materials, as well as training in fish and poultry production and processing.

 She added that DWCF also engages in voter education in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while collaborating with security agencies, government ministries and other stakeholders to improve the wellbeing of communities.

Highlighting the foundation’s activities in Akwa Ibom, the DWCF founder said that in less than one year, more than 400 women had been mobilised and registered with the Ministry of Women Affairs in Uyo. 

She said the foundation had provided foodstuff, shelter, meeting facilities and more than 200 chairs for the women, while introducing financial management and monthly savings schemes.

Etim described the empowerment initiative as the beginning of a broader effort to make women economically independent and capable of becoming employers of labour, stressing that the foundation’s ultimate goal was to transform families and communities “one woman, one young person and one child at a time.”

In his remarks, Chairman and Grand Patron of the occasion, Dr. Eric Odo, challenged political office holders and other leaders to make empowerment of vulnerable citizens a central responsibility of governance.

He said leadership came with the obligation to improve the lives of the people, urging elected officials to give widows, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups their rightful place in development programmes. 

Odo particularly encouraged political leaders to adopt sustainable support schemes for widows, citing the monthly assistance provided to widows and persons with disabilities under his administration as a model worth replicating.

He further urged women to become more assertive in demanding accountability from elected representatives, saying empowerment was essential to economic self-reliance and personal dignity. 

According to him, women possess diverse talents and comparative advantages that, if properly supported, can translate into sustainable businesses and employment opportunities.

 He also argued that the goal should not merely be to distribute assistance, but to create opportunities through which women could become economically independent and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The event culminated in the inauguration of patrons of the DWCF Uyo Branch, including Ambassador Samson Akpan of Memories TV, who pledged sustained support for the Foundation and wished it continued growth and impact.

The programme also featured a colourful cultural display and the launch of the group’s official uniform.

NUJ Chairman Charges Journalism Students on Purposeful Speaking, Ethical Reporting

...Bags Outstanding Mentor Award at JAMSSA Day

By Unyime Bassey

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has charged journalism students to prioritise truth, ethical reporting and effective communication as they prepare for careers in the media industry.

John gave the charge in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Managing Director of The Ink Newspaper, Comrade Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot, at the 2026 Journalism and Media Studies Students’ Association (JAMSSA) Day celebration held at the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.

Speaking on the theme, “Speaking with Purpose: Strengthening Journalism Through Public Speaking and Ethical Reporting,” John said the rapid growth of technology, social media and information platforms had made credibility more critical to the journalism profession.

He noted that while everybody could now post, broadcast and express opinions, “not everybody can be trusted,” stressing that journalists must distinguish themselves through effective communication, professionalism and commitment to truth.

According to him, journalists must embrace clarity over complexity, particularly when reporting issues such as government budgets, policies, elections, development projects and legislation.

He urged the students to explain complex issues in ways ordinary citizens could understand rather than merely repeating official figures or statements.

John also identified calmness, preparation and confidence as essential qualities for effective public speaking, advising aspiring journalists to know their facts, understand their subjects and anticipate questions before speaking.

He further urged them to choose context over sensational headlines and connect with the people behind the stories by giving citizens, including farmers, students, traders and entrepreneurs, a voice.

The NUJ chairman outlined three simple public-speaking tools — the 60-second rule, the three-point structure and listening first — which he said could strengthen reports, interviews and presentations.

He explained that journalists should be able to explain their stories clearly within a minute, while the three-point structure should answer the questions: What happened? Why does it matter? What happens next?

He stressed that effective journalism also required listening, urging the students to engage communities and understand their concerns before reporting.

On ethical reporting, John identified truth over speed, humanity over clicks, independence over influence and accountability as critical pillars of journalism.

He warned journalists against rushing to publish unverified information simply to beat others to a story.

“Do not be obsessed with being first; be determined to be right,” he said, adding that a false story published first remained false.

John also cautioned against exploiting victims of accidents, violence, abuse and disasters for online engagement, insisting that journalists must protect the dignity of people whose stories they report.

He urged journalists to remain independent and ask critical questions about government policies and programmes, while also taking responsibility for errors and issuing public corrections when necessary.

The NUJ chairman further warned against three major traps confronting journalists in the digital age — the viral trap, speed trap and AI trap.

He advised the students not to mistake WhatsApp forwards and screenshots for credible sources, while urging them to use artificial intelligence responsibly without surrendering professional judgment.

“AI cannot attend the community meeting for you. It cannot verify your source for you. And it cannot take responsibility for what you publish,” he said.

According to him, the journalist remains accountable for the journalism produced, regardless of the technology used in the process.

John reminded the students that their professional journey had already begun, urging them to build credibility through responsible conduct, proper treatment of sources and verification of information.

He described a journalist’s byline as a reputation that must be protected, stressing that journalism was more than a profession but a public trust.

Meanwhile, the Journalism and Media Studies Students’ Association honoured Comrade Nsibiet John with the Outstanding Mentor of Emerging Journalists Award during the celebration.

The award recognised the NUJ chairman for his “exemplary mentorship, professional guidance, and steadfast commitment to nurturing and inspiring the next generation of journalists and media practitioners in Akwa Ibom State and beyond.”

The recognition, dated August 19, 2026, underscored the association’s appreciation of John’s contribution to mentoring and inspiring emerging journalists.

Representing the NUJ chairman at the event, Comrade Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot also conveyed the message of purposeful journalism and ethical practice to the students.

John, in his concluding message, urged the students to rise above the noise of the digital age and become journalists who can present facts, ask difficult questions respectfully, challenge power responsibly and report government without becoming government.

He said the ultimate currency of journalism was not followers, likes or views, but trust.

“Speaking with Purpose + Ethical Reporting = Journalism that Strengthens Society,” John declared.

NUJ Chairman Charges Mass Communication Students on Responsible Journalism

 

Esther Etim 

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has charged Mass Communication students to uphold ethics, credibility and public trust in the practice of journalism in the digital age.

Comrade John gave the charge in a keynote address at the 2026 AMASCOS Day Celebration held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, with the theme, “Responsible Journalism in the Digital Age: Upholding Ethics, Credibility and Public Trust.”

Represented by Managing Editor of The Ink Newspaper, Comrade Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot, John noted that although digital technology had made it possible for virtually everyone with a smartphone and internet connection to publish information instantly, the ability to publish did not automatically confer credibility.

 According to him, the digital revolution had not changed the fundamental principles of journalism but had only increased the speed at which information was disseminated. He therefore urged the student journalists to prioritise truth, accuracy and fairness, stressing that “being first is not as important as being right.” 

John also warned journalists against sacrificing human dignity and professional independence for online engagement and financial gains. He urged media practitioners to protect the privacy of vulnerable persons, including children, victims of violence and grieving families, while avoiding the exploitation of human suffering for clicks. 

Speaking on credibility and public trust, the NUJ chairman urged journalists to embrace original, evidence-based and data-driven reporting. He advised practitioners to identify sources where appropriate, reference credible documents and provide adequate context to enable audiences understand issues. John further encouraged journalists to go beyond reporting what happened to explaining why events happened and how they affected ordinary citizens. He cautioned against becoming instruments for spreading misinformation, warning that journalists who amplify unverified claims ultimately become part of the misinformation problem.

In her remarks, the Acting Head of Department, Ms. Ekereobong Idang to be studious and serious-minded. 

Represented by Dr. Nnamso Ekanem, she acknowledged the need for them to unwind but urged them to remember the primary reason they were in school. She therefore urged them to shun distraction and violence, and to remain focused.

She further advised the students to always put their attitude and character in check in order to become good ambassadors of the Department of Mass Communication, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic.

In his speech, President of AMASCOS, Comrade Solomon Alfred said the day was organized to celebrate the department’s achievements, appreciate those who have contributed to its growth, while strengthening the bond among students.

According to him, the theme was a reminder to students and stakeholders in the journalism practice of the responsibilities that come with being communicators in a fast-changing environment.

He added that as information spreads rapidly, communicators must strive to be professionals who value growth, credibility, and responsibility. 

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving awardees, including the Chairman, NUJ Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Nsibiet John.

NUJ Unveils 2027 Election Debate, Targets CNN-Style Engagement

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has unveiled plans for a comprehensive 2027 General Election Debate aimed at providing voters with a credible platform to engage and scrutinise prospective political office holders ahead of the elections.

Unveiling the initiative at a Briefing in Uyo on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, said the responsibility of journalists goes beyond reporting, entertainment and criticism, stressing that the media must also set the agenda for public discourse.

He explained that the debate was not designed for financial gains, but to enable the electorate understand the motivations, programmes and aspirations of candidates seeking elective offices.

John said the initiative would not be restricted to governorship candidates, as candidates for the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate would also be invited to participate. 

According to him, every candidate considered serious would be given the opportunity to present their vision and respond to questions from journalists and the public.

The NUJ Chairman disclosed that the debate would be modelled after the standard of major international media platforms such as CNN, with emphasis on professionalism, fairness and robust engagement; assuring that no voice would be shut out.

Also speaking, Chairman of the NUJ 2027 Election Debate Planning Committee, Comrade Ndanti Ekuh, announced that the debate would hold from Wednesday, December 9 to Friday, December 11, 2026. He said the governorship debate would take place on Wednesday, December 9, while the senatorial debate would hold on Friday, December 11, with further engagements with stakeholders planned ahead of the events.

Ekuh said the planning committee's watchword was independence, assuring that the process would be conducted without bias and in accordance with the highest professional standards. He declared that the committee would strive to make the debate a premium platform for issue-based political engagement. 

It would be recalled that the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA), which had earlier pledged its support and partnership for the success of the initiative, is expected to play a role in promoting the debate and ensuring wider public participation.

AKIRS Sensitizes Over 200 Estate Surveyors on Tax Reforms

The Executive Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS), Sir Okon Okon, FCTI, has charged Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Akwa Ibom State to see themselves as critical players and strategic partners in the taxation ecosystem and in driving awareness of the new tax reforms.

He gave the charge while delivering a keynote address at the 2026 Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) seminar organized by the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Akwa Ibom State Branch, held Thursday, August 14, 2026 at the E-Library Complex, IBB Way, Uyo

The seminar, themed “Estate Surveying and Valuation Practice in the Era of Tax Reforms and Fiscal Transparency in Nigeria,” was attended by over 200 members of NIESV, including practitioners, academics, students and other stakeholders. A renowned Estate Surveyor and administrator, ESV Sunny Udom, FNIESV, chaired the occasion.

Sir Okon, a Council Member and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), noted that taxation and estate surveying and valuation intersect in several areas, including revenue administration, tax compliance and revenue assurance, taxpayer services, tax education and fiscal governance.

He stressed the need for stakeholders to share ideas, deepen their knowledge and strengthen professional relationships to enhance compliance and promote a more efficient taxation system.

Sir Okon, who is also a member of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, said the new tax reforms and harmonisation of state taxes and levies were designed primarily to reduce the tax burden on Nigerians and strengthen the tax ecosystem for greater efficiency.

He identified the key impacts of the reforms as the harmonisation of taxes and tax administration; promotion of equity, fairness and ease of doing business; sustainable revenue mobilisation; technology- and data-driven tax administration; promotion of transparency, accountability and trust; strengthening of fiscal governance; elimination of multiple taxation and nuisance taxes; and promotion of economic growth.

“There is therefore no need for anxiety. The whole idea was to fine-tune our pre-colonial, archaic and obsolete tax laws to reflect current and evolving realities as they relate to taxation,” he emphasized.

The AKIRS Chairman urged members of NIESV, under the leadership of ESV Kufre Ufot, to collaborate and cooperate with the State Internal Revenue Service in the new tax dispensation.

He also commended the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for giving taxpayers sufficient reasons to comply with their tax obligations through the visible and rapid development of the state across critical sectors.

A paper was also presented by a Professor of Estate Surveying, Prof. Olurotimi Kemiki, of the Federal University of Technology, Minna. The don urged practitioners to always be detailed and professional in the presentation of facts to protect the dignity and integrity of the profession.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Uyo Branch of NIESV, ESV Kufre Ufot, FNIV, noted that the professional development exercise, organised with the approval of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria, was a routine programme of the institution aimed at strengthening professional bonds, reviewing emerging trends, keeping members abreast of current needs and expectations, and honing their skills in line with global best practices.

Ufot lauded the AKIRS Chairman for what he described as “trailblazing momentum and sustainable high-level performance in IGR in Akwa Ibom State,” while seeking further collaboration between NIESV and the Revenue House to facilitate knowledge transfer and professional engagement.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the National President of NIESV, ESV (Mallam) Bature Muhammed, represented by the Uyo Branch Chairman of NIESV, ESV Nametu Ndidi, and the Cross River State Branch Chairman, ESV Samuel Bassey, FNIES, represented by ESV James Effiong.

Also present were members of the AKIRS management; Prof. Francis Udoudo, Professor of Estate Surveying; former Commissioner for Lands and former Chairman of the Uyo Branch, His Lordship, ESV U. U. Etetim; and former Chairman of the Uyo Branch of NIESV, ESV Chief John Isangedighi, among others.

The high point of the event was the presentation of certificates of special recognition for outstanding service to Sir Okon Okon and Prof. Olurotimi Kemiki, as well as certificates of participation to members of NIESV.

IOM: 200 Nursing Mothers, Pregnant Women Benefit from Free Medical Outreach in Ibesikpo Asutan

 

More than 200 nursing mothers and pregnant women have benefited from the Ibom Open Maternity IOM Medical Missions in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area. 

Organised by Carelife Character Foundation in partnership with the Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Council, with support from the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All, GIFA, and other partners, the IOM project is a community-based maternal and child healthcare initiative aimed at improving access to essential healthcare services and strengthening maternal and child healthcare across Akwa Ibom State.

Addressing the participants at the venue for the exercise, the Primary Healthcare Operational Base, Nung Udoe, the team lead of GIFA, Pastor Anne Abraham, urged expectant and nursing mothers to prioritise proper antenatal care, exclusive breastfeeding and other essential healthcare practices for their wellbeing and those of their babies.

She emphasised that exclusive breastfeeding, and other related components targeted at improved maternal and child healthcare, as well as support for pregnant women and nursing mothers, are at the core of what GIFA does through her Maternal and Child Healthcare thematic area, towards enhancing the lives of families across Akwa Ibom State.

The wife of the Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Council, Mrs Glory Inyang, harped on the critical role that breastfeeding plays in giving children a healthy start in life, encouraging families to create a culture where mothers are supported rather than isolated, and empowered rather than overwhelmed by the very beneficial act of breastfeeding.

She reminded the beneficiaries that breastfeeding provides infants with essential nutrients, protects them against infections, and supports healthy growth and development, while also strengthening the beautiful emotional bond between mothers and their children.

Goodwill messages were received from the Vice Chairman of the Council, Mrs. Goodness Obot, and the Director of Health, Mrs. Lovina Ibiok, who both applauded the IOM project which they noted would address the healthcare needs of mothers in rural communities.

The event commenced with the provision of free healthcare services, including medical examinations, laboratory tests, and professional counselling, alongside free enrollment into the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme by officials of the State Health Insurance Agency.

Some participants also received GIFA PatCare packs and gift items, and other packages from the Local Government Council Chairman's wife with the support of her husband, as part of efforts to provide relief and support to beneficiaries.

In the GIFA team were the Programmes Officer, Mrs Edidiong Inyang, Mr Victor Preachers, Mr Owoh Etukudo and others.

Media Unit 

Office of the First Lady, AKS

AKSU Intellectual Feast: NUJ Chairman Urges Students to Harness Information, Discourse for National Development

 

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has urged students of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) to harness the power of credible information and intellectual discourse to shape the future and contribute meaningfully to national development.

John made the call while delivering a keynote address titled “Architects of Tomorrow: Shaping the Future Through Information and Intellectual Discourse” at the 2026 Intellectual Feast organised by the Student Union Government (SUG) of AKSU, Obio Akpa Campus, on Thursday, August 6, 2026. He said the future was neither accidental nor inevitable, but was deliberately designed through the quality of ideas generated, knowledge acquired and conversations undertaken by society.

Represented by the Managing Editor of The Ink Newspaper, Comrade Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot, the NUJ Chairman described information and rigorous intellectual discourse as “twin pillars” of innovation, democracy, scientific advancement, economic prosperity and sustainable development. He cautioned students against confusing the abundance of information available in the digital age with knowledge, stressing that information becomes valuable only when it is verified, interpreted and responsibly applied. He identified reduction of ignorance, expansion of opportunities and improved foresight as key benefits of credible information.

According to him, intellectual discourse transforms information into wisdom by subjecting ideas to evidence, logic, critical examination and constructive debate. He urged the students to cultivate intellectual curiosity, develop critical thinking, participate in respectful dialogue and, most importantly, translate knowledge into practical solutions through research, innovation, entrepreneurship and public service. He noted that “information provides the building blocks, while intellectual discourse provides the blueprint” for societal transformation.

John further challenged the students to become informed citizens, rather than passive consumers of information, warning that misinformation, manipulated narratives and digital propaganda could influence elections, destabilise economies and deepen social divisions. He said universities had a special responsibility to cultivate independent thinkers and future leaders, adding that the true measure of education was not merely what an individual knew, but what society became because of that knowledge.

Earlier, the Director of Information, Comr. Philip Iniobong Happiness, who conceived the Intellectual Feast, described the programme as a platform for students to exchange ideas, celebrate knowledge and stretch their thinking beyond the classroom. She urged participants to become “informed citizens, critical thinkers, innovative problem solvers, and responsible leaders,” saying the event was designed to encourage students to question, network and develop practical solutions to challenges confronting the university, their communities and the nation. The event, organised under the auspices of the Faculty of Social Sciences and the SUG, was attended by lecturers, student leaders, panelists, representatives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, partners, sponsors and members of the press.