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.

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.