From Spelling to Scholarship: How Hensek and Atlantic FM are investing in the Akwa Ibom Child

 

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot 

At a time when public discourse in Akwa Ibom, and indeed Nigeria, is increasingly dominated by politics, power struggles and the preparations for another election cycle, the grand finale of the 2026 Hensek/Atlantic FM Spelling Bee Competition has offered a refreshing reminder that the future of society is ultimately built in the classroom. 

Held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Flairmore Event Centre, Uyo, the competition brought together school children, teachers, parents, education enthusiasts and management staff of Hensek Integrated Services in an atmosphere that celebrated knowledge, discipline and academic excellence.

Beyond the excitement of correctly spelling difficult words, the event represented an investment in the intellectual capacity of the next generation.

For Atlantic FM, Uyo, a station of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, the competition is a commendable demonstration of Corporate Social Responsibility. It was a deliberate attempt to use the influence and reach of broadcasting to promote literacy, vocabulary development, reading culture and cognitive growth among children. The General Manager of Atlantic FM, Ubong Obot, aptly captured the essence of the initiative when she explained that the competition had "awakened reading consciousness and motivation for learning among our students, even during holidays." That impact is particularly important in an era when children are increasingly distracted by social media, entertainment and other influences that can easily compete with serious academic engagement.

The beauty of the Hensek/Atlantic FM Spelling Bee is also in its deliberate effort to catch children young. The competition caters for five categories—Nursery, Lower Primary, Upper Primary, Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary—thereby creating a progression that allows children to develop confidence and intellectual competitiveness from the cradle. Such an approach deserves commendation because scholarship is not something that should be introduced only when a child reaches the university. The habits of reading, learning, research, discipline and healthy competition are cultivated early, and initiatives such as this can help make academic excellence attractive to children.

That the competition has continued for nine years makes Hensek Integrated Services' contribution particularly worthy of applause. Obot publicly expressed the station's "deep gratitude" to the Managing Director/CEO of Hensek Integrated Services for sponsoring the programme over the past nine years, with scholarships and other prizes provided for outstanding participants. 

Hensek has not merely lent its name to the competition; its substantial and sustained financial commitment has helped transform what could have been an ordinary school activity into a platform capable of changing the educational trajectory of young people. 

In a society where corporate sponsorship is often concentrated around entertainment, sports and high-profile social events, Hensek's decision to invest heavily in children's intellectual development stands out as a significant departure from the norm.

The significance of that investment became deeply personal at the grand finale when an Uyo indigene, Mr Mathias Etim, broke down in tears of joy after his three children emerged winners in their respective categories and earned scholarships. Dominion Matthias Etim won the Nursery category, Divine Matthias Etim took first place in Lower Primary, while Blessed Matthias Etim emerged first in Junior Secondary. 

For their father, the occasion was much more than a competition. It was a moment in which academic diligence translated directly into opportunity and hope. He described the scholarships as a huge blessing to his family and urged parents to encourage their children to participate in educational competitions because excellence, in his words, should be promoted, nurtured and celebrated.

The impressive roll call of winners further demonstrated the depth of young academic talent in the State. In the Nursery category, Dominion Matthias Etim emerged first, followed by Emmanuel Hilary Aidang, Moses Godwin David and Emmanton Ubong Emmanuel. 

In Lower Primary, Divine Matthias Etim took first place, with Toroabasi Samuel Etim second, Sufficient Uwem John third and Godwin Aniefiok Bassey fourth. 

The Upper Primary category produced Mfoniso Utibe Mfon as winner, followed by Inimfon Godwin Umondak, Abasiubong Ime Moses and Edidiong Isantim Essien.

 These children deserve more than applause; they deserve continued encouragement, mentorship and platforms that will make them understand that intellectual ability is as worthy of celebration as athletic or entertainment talent.

The Junior Secondary category was equally competitive, with Blessed Matthias Etim emerging first, Goodness Akpabio Edet second, Metoroabasi Emmanuel Paulinus third and Favour Emmanuel Gabriel fourth. In the Senior Secondary category, Edidiong Dominic Udofia clinched first position, followed by Uduakobong Aniefiok Umo, Unyimeabasi Aniefiok Asha and Saviour Victor Ben. Their accomplishments should remind parents, schools, government and corporate Nigeria that the country is not short of brilliant young minds. 

What is often lacking are sustained platforms for discovering, rewarding and nurturing those minds. Competitions such as the Spelling Bee provide exactly such platforms while also teaching children resilience, concentration, preparation and the courage to perform under pressure.

There is, therefore, a broader lesson in what Atlantic FM and Hensek have achieved. The initiative is a sharp deviation from the prevailing culture in which public attention and resources are frequently consumed by politics and political conversations. There is nothing wrong with politics, but a society that spends all its energy debating who will occupy offices while paying little attention to the quality of the children who will inherit those offices risks losing sight of the bigger picture. 

By focusing on children and scholarship, Atlantic FM and Hensek have demonstrated that nation-building is not only about roads, buildings, elections or political appointments; it is equally about building minds capable of sustaining development.

Atlantic FM has, through this initiative, demonstrated that the responsibility of a media organisation extends beyond news, entertainment and information dissemination. As a platform with access to a wide audience, the station has chosen to deploy its corporate social responsibility to stimulate intellectual development. Hensek, on its part, has shown what meaningful corporate citizenship can look like when private-sector resources are channelled into education. 

Both organisations have therefore proven themselves to be lovers of education, investors in tomorrow and believers in the dream of the Akwa Ibom child. Obot's appeal for support towards the completion of the Mrs Nyakno Uwem Okoko Atlantic Event Centre also underscores the need for sustainable infrastructure that can reduce the cost of hosting programmes of this nature and allow the initiative to grow even further.

The next step should be to ensure that the momentum is sustained and expanded. Organisations, corporate bodies, philanthropists and other public-spirited individuals should not only support Atlantic FM in subsequent editions of the Spelling Bee, but should also find other creative ways to stimulate interest in scholarship among children. From reading competitions and science fairs to mathematics challenges, essay contests, coding programmes and innovation exhibitions, there are countless opportunities to make learning exciting and rewarding. 

The lesson from the 2026 Hensek/Atlantic FM Spelling Bee is clear: when society celebrates knowledge, children learn to value knowledge. When excellence is rewarded, children are encouraged to pursue excellence. And when the young are given platforms to shine, the entire society stands a better chance of producing the enlightened, capable and responsible generation that Nigeria desperately needs.

2027: TTB Endorses APC Candidates in Eket Senatorial District

By Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot

The Tinubu Torch Bearers (TTB) has endorsed the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Eket Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was made on Saturday, August 29, 2026, during a political gathering held at Ndon Eyo, Onna Local Government Area, with members and supporters of the group drawn from across the senatorial district in attendance.

In her welcome address, the Eket Senatorial District Coordinator of TTB, Rev. Mercy Cephas, urged members and supporters to remain committed to the group's political objectives and work collectively towards the success of the endorsed candidates in the 2027 elections.

Speaking at the event, the State Chairperson of TTB, Lady Inyene Bassey, described the endorsement as a demonstration of the group's collective commitment to consolidating the gains of the Akwa Ibom State Government's ARISE Agenda and the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said the theme of the event, “Consolidating the ARISE and Renewed Hope Agenda,” reflected the group's vision of promoting continuity, responsible leadership and sustainable development.

“As Tinubu Torch Bearers, we are committed to mobilising our people, particularly at the grassroots, to understand the importance of continuity, responsible leadership and sustainable development,” she said.

Bassey explained that the convergence of the two development agendas provided an opportunity for the group to engage citizens on the need for continuity and support for leaders committed to delivering meaningful development.

She, however, charged the endorsed candidates to regard the endorsement as a responsibility and a call to service, urging them to remain accessible to their constituents, listen to their concerns and make the welfare of the people central to their leadership.

 “It is a call to remain accessible to the people, listen to their concerns, provide quality representation and make the welfare of our people the centre of your leadership,” she stressed.

The TTB chairperson also called on members, supporters and stakeholders to take the message of the organisation to the grassroots, including wards, polling units, communities and households, while encouraging constructive engagement with voters.

“Let us engage our people with facts, respect and sincerity. Let us encourage young people, women, professionals, community leaders and all eligible voters to participate actively in the democratic process,” she appealed.

Moving the motion for the endorsement, the Chairman of the occasion, Rt. Hon. Pat Ifon, said the decision followed the group's conviction in the candidates and its determination to support them in the 2027 elections.

 “We have all agreed that we will commit ourselves, our time, our resources and everything we have to ensure that all our candidates in the APC emerge in 2027,” he said.

He listed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno, Senator Ekong Sampson, Hon. Martins Esin, Dr. Eunice Ekong and Rt. Hon. Uduak Odudor, alongside other APC candidates across the various state constituencies, as beneficiaries of the endorsement.

The motion was seconded by Dr. Owoidehe Ekpoatai, a former member representing Onna/Esit Eket/Ibeno/Eket Federal Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

The event also featured goodwill messages from several special guests, including the National Protocol Officer of TTB and the APC Chairman of Onna Chapter, Comrade Tom Nkannang.

The gathering attracted political stakeholders and leaders from across Eket Senatorial District, members of Mboñ Ibaan, Onna, as well as a large turnout of APC supporters and TTB members.

Eno’s Health Reforms Delivering Results - Ekem John

Eno’s Health Reforms Delivering Results - Ekem John

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, has highlighted far-reaching reforms and investments by the Governor Umo Eno administration in the health sector, saying the interventions have significantly strengthened healthcare delivery, accountability and access across the state.

Dr. John, who spoke during a ministerial press briefing at Government House, Uyo, on Thursday, August 27, 2026, said the administration was deliberately building a resilient, accessible, affordable and high-quality health system capable of responding effectively to the needs of the people.

The Commissioner said one of the major achievements of the administration was the introduction of stronger accountability mechanisms across the health sector, including systematic facility monitoring, performance indicators for hospital managers and mandatory reporting of every hospital mortality within 48 hours.

He explained that the reforms had helped improve service delivery and institutional accountability.

He disclosed that the government had also strengthened disease surveillance and trained over 1,000 skilled health workers and community surveillance officers, contributing to improved health security across the state.

On maternal and child healthcare, Dr. John urged the media to intensify public enlightenment against the dangers of patronising traditional birth attendants, particularly where complications arise. He noted that Governor Eno’s introduction of free maternal care, including free Caesarean sections for eligible women, alongside health insurance coverage for pregnancy and child immunisation, had removed a major financial barrier to safe motherhood.

Dr. John also highlighted major investments in medical equipment and critical healthcare infrastructure, including two new CT scan machines and the acquisition of an advanced 1.5 Tesla helium-free MRI machine.

He said the new technology was deliberately chosen to reduce the maintenance and power-related challenges associated with conventional MRI machines.

He further disclosed that the state now has three medical oxygen production plants serving the three senatorial districts, while several general hospitals and primary healthcare centres are being constructed, renovated, remodelled and equipped.

According to him, 19 new model primary healthcare centres have been completed, while 29 existing facilities have been renovated across the state.

Futhermore, the Commissioner described the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System as one of the administration’s most enduring healthcare legacies, noting that the system had transformed emergency response from merely transporting patients to hospitals to bringing the health system directly to emergency victims.

He said the service currently operates 31 ambulances, including mobile intensive care, advanced life support and basic life support ambulances, supported by a 24-hour emergency operations centre with GPS-tracked ambulances.

Since inception, Dr. Ekem disclosed that the service had responded to 2,605 emergency calls, transported 1,404 patients and carried out about 1,900 field stabilisations, with response time in urban areas now reduced to under 10 minutes in many cases.

Dr. John also disclosed that over 230,000 residents had enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme within 18 months, with 622,000 patient consultations recorded across accredited facilities. He said 3,414 women had delivered vaginally at no cost, while 1,808 Caesarean sections had been performed under the scheme, alongside other surgeries and eye-care services.

The Commissioner’s presentation came as the state prepares to commission 39 projects across the 10 Federal Constituencies between September 1 and 30, with the projects cutting across healthcare, roads, education and tourism.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah disclosed that 39 projects executed by the administration would be commissioned across the state between September 1 and 30 as part of activities marking Akwa Ibom’s 39th anniversary.

He said the projects cut across roads, healthcare, education and tourism, with the ARISE Palm Resort on Brooks Street among the major projects lined up.

Umanah also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected in the state as special guest of honour and would unveil some of the projects during the anniversary celebrations.

Umanah further said the anniversary programme would include a state inter-denominational thanksgiving service on September 20 at the International Christian Worship Centre, Uyo, and a state banquet at the ARISE Palm Resort on September 23.

Journalists in Akwa Ibom Charged to Uphold Professionalism in Crime, Court Reporting

Esther Esin

Journalists in Akwa Ibom State have been charged to uphold professionalism, accuracy and ethical standards in reporting crime and court proceedings, given the sensitive nature of such reports and their potential impact on individuals and the administration of justice.

 The charge was given at a one-day symposium organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, under the leadership of Comrade Nsibiet John, on the theme, “Effective Crime & Court Reporting: The Role of the Media in the Administration of Justice.”

The symposium, held at the NUJ Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo, brought together journalists, law enforcement officers and members of the judiciary to examine the responsibilities of the media in crime and court reportage. 

Declaring the event open, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, described the symposium as a deliberate investment in knowledge, professional competence and the integrity of journalism, particularly in an area as sensitive and consequential as crime and court reporting.

John said the objective was to deepen journalists’ understanding of the judiciary and crime reporting while promoting the effective administration of justice. He reminded practitioners that the pen, keyboard, camera and microphone are powerful tools capable of educating the public, exposing wrongdoing and strengthening democracy, but could also mislead, destroy reputations and inflame tensions when used irresponsibly. He therefore called for journalism that is ethical, responsible, fearless and accountable.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Chris Ekong, who chaired the event, said professional journalism in crime and court reporting involves the careful collection, verification, interpretation and dissemination of information. He noted that the media plays a critical role in promoting transparency and accountability, protecting the public interest and monitoring the activities of law enforcement agencies, stressing that accuracy must remain central to the practice.

A resource person and Regional Editor of Premium Times for the South-South/South-East, Mr. Cletus Ukpong, challenged journalists to prioritise accuracy over the pressure to be first with breaking news. He said, “Speed is a competitive advantage, but accuracy is a professional obligation,” noting that while everyone can publish, not everyone can verify. Ukpong urged journalists to adopt the newsroom formula of “Verify – Publish – Update” rather than “Hear – Publish – Apologise,” while warning against trial-by-media, particularly when matters are already before the courts.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, said the media remains an important partner to law enforcement through the dissemination of security information, public enlightenment, exposure of criminal activities and awareness of emerging threats. He, however, cautioned that inaccurate crime reports could prejudice investigations, damage reputations, endanger lives or interfere with judicial proceedings. The Police Commissioner particularly emphasised the principle of presumption of innocence, noting that an arrested or accused person is not automatically guilty.

Former Justice of the High Court, Justice Ifiok Ukana, and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Friday J. Itim, Esq., also addressed journalists on the need to understand the boundaries of court reporting. Ukana, speaking on “Navigating the Minefield of Contempt in Covering the Judiciary,” explained that contempt is intended to preserve the dignity and authority of the court, rather than intimidate journalists. Itim, on his part, stressed the importance of courtroom etiquette, including appropriate dressing, speech, decorum and general conduct, describing the court as a “Temple of Justice” that must be treated with reverence.

The symposium also featured a goodwill message from the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session and a vote of thanks by a participant. 

The engagement underscored the NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council’s commitment to continuous professional development, particularly in specialised areas of journalism where a single inaccurate report can have far-reaching consequences for justice, public confidence and the lives of those involved.

N1m up for Grabs at Becoming Season 4 Launch

 

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot 

Entrepreneurial Coach and author, William Anwana, has announced the official launch of the fourth season of his television series, 'Becoming', alongside the unveiling of three books aimed at promoting African entrepreneurship, providing business education and expanding access to finance for entrepreneurs.

The twin event is scheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2026, at Ibom Led, formerly E-Library, on IBB Way, Uyo.

 Anwana disclosed details of the event while speaking on Memories TV on Friday, August 21, 2026, noting that the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and the resources required to grow sustainable businesses.

He stressed that the event would focus on promoting African enterprise, providing practical business education and expanding entrepreneurs' access to finance, markets and visibility. 

According to him, the initiative was also established to address some of the major challenges confronting business owners, particularly limited access to capital, markets, visibility and relevant business knowledge.

“We set out to bridge that gap between what is lacking and also provide the resources, whether human, material, natural or even in terms of capital,” Anwana stated, while calling on small, medium and large-scale business owners to participate in the event.

The entrepreneur further explained that 'Becoming', which has successfully completed three seasons, was created as a platform through which entrepreneurs could showcase their products, services and business ideas. He emphasized that the television programme goes beyond publicity by providing participants with opportunities for visibility, access to markets and potential funding.

“Our TV series is a platform for entrepreneurs specifically to come and promote their business idea, whether it's a product idea or a service idea. We give you visibility, we give you access to finance, access to markets,” he said.

According to Anwana, the three books to be launched alongside the fourth season of 'Becoming' are intended to complement the television programme by providing practical business knowledge and documenting African entrepreneurial experiences.

He explained that the first, "From Zero to Trillionaire" focuses on personal finance, with the objective of equipping readers with practical knowledge on how to improve their financial position irrespective of their income level or present financial status.

The second publication, "The Atlas of African Visionaries", which Anwana co-authored with his wife, Meflyn documents the experiences of African entrepreneurs and business leaders. He noted that the book was inspired by the need to correct the perception that entrepreneurship is a recent phenomenon in Africa.

“Entrepreneurship is not a new thing in Africa. Enterprise is practically part of our DNA,” he emphasized, adding that the book features both established and emerging entrepreneurs, including people who started businesses with as little as N5,000 or N10,000 and subsequently built enterprises with significant turnover.

The third book, "Entrepreneur First Class", was written during the COVID-19 pandemic and provides practical guidance on business registration, business structure, strategy, finance, accounting and marketing. 

Anwana stated that he deliberately adopted a conversational writing style to make business knowledge accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs who might find conventional business literature too academic.

Beyond the launch of the books and the television programme, Anwana informed that the event would feature a major pitch competition designed to provide entrepreneurs with opportunities to access funding. He noted that previous pitch competitions had produced a N50,000 grant winner, while more opportunities were being created through the latest edition of 'Becoming'.

He disclosed that Season Four would feature a bigger pitch competition, with the overall winner expected to receive a N1 million grant, while the first and second runners-up would receive N750,000 and N500,000 respectively. 

He emphasized, however, that the benefits of the programme would extend beyond financial grants to include business visibility, market access and opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs.

Anwana also stressed that entrepreneurs should not be discouraged by lack of huge start-up capital, noting that investment is attracted by the value an entrepreneur is able to create.

“Capital is attracted by something we call value. Value is simply your ability to bring something to the table that another person requires,” he stated.

He explained that the broader objective of the initiative was to help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses and enduring legacies by combining access to capital with knowledge, visibility and markets. He also added that the initiative was also aligned with efforts to promote enterprise development and support businesses in line with the ARISE Agenda.

The fourth season of 'Becoming' and the three books — "From Zero to Trillionaire", "The Atlas of African Visionaries" and "Entrepreneur First Class" — will be officially launched at the twin event on Thursday, August 28, 2026, at Ibom Led, IBB Way, Uyo.

"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.