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.

Switching on the Digital Backbone: How Akwa Ibom is Re-inventing Victor Attah International Airport for the Future

 

By Charles Bassey

(Aviation Correspondents of Akwa Ibom State - ACAKS)

On June 14, 2026, history landed at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo. 

It was not just the opening of a new terminal. It was the moment Akwa Ibom “switched on the digital backbone” of its aviation ecosystem — and by extension, switched on a new economic future for the state.

For years, travelers from Akwa Ibom had to connect through Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt to get to the world. Today, the world can now connect directly to Uyo.

FROM RUNWAY TO ECOSYSTEM

The vision is simple but audacious: VAIA should not be just an airport. It should be a city within a city.

Governor Pastor Umo Eno put it plainly during the FG’s designation of the airport as an international gateway: _“What we are building is an ecosystem at the airport. We want everything within the airport environment.”_

That ecosystem is now taking shape. 

The Federal Government, through Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, SAN, gave the final nod, noting that with VAIA’s 3km runway, MRO facility, and modern infrastructure, “there is no reason why Uyo airport should not be designated as an international airport.”

A joint technical team of FAAN, NCAA, Customs, NiMet and others has been “ticking the boxes” to ensure full compliance.

THE DIGITAL HEARTBEAT

Walk into the new International Terminal today and you feel it immediately — this is not 2010 aviation.

The terminal commissioned on June 14, 2026 comes with:

- Automated check-in and digital self-service kiosks to cut queues

- Advanced baggage screening and weighing systems integrated into security

- Video analytics and intelligent transport management for safety and flow

- Immigration automation to fast-track international arrivals and departures  

- Smart internet installations, daylighting with occupancy sensors, and voice evacuation systems — all verified by FAAN and NCAA

In short: a passenger can now check in, clear security, and board with minimal human friction. That is the digital backbone.

THE HARD INFRASTRUCTURE THAT POWERS IT

Technology means little without steel and concrete.

1.  The MRO: One of only a handful in West Africa. Capable of handling 2 Boeing 747-800s and 8 CRJs at once. The goal is to stop Akwa Ibom aircraft from flying to Addis or Johannesburg for maintenance.

2.  Cargo Terminal: Already captured in the 2026 budget. This is the game-changer for farmers, manufacturers and exporters who can now airlift goods directly from Uyo.

3.  Staff Housing: 100 housing units under construction to ensure 24/7 operational readiness.

4.  The Runway: Over 3 kilometers, built to receive wide-body aircraft from anywhere in the world.

 IBOM AIR LEADS THE CHARGE

The state-owned Ibom Air has moved both domestic and regional operations into the new terminal and has already launched Uyo–Accra flights. 

It is the first proof that the ecosystem works. More routes are expected as bilateral agreements are finalized. The target, according to the Governor: _“the first intercontinental flight out of Uyo before the end of Q1 2026.”_

 WHY THIS MATTERS: THE ARISE AGENDA IN THE SKIES

This is not about planes. It is about prosperity.

Aviation experts say direct international connectivity will:

1.  Attract FDI: Investors can land in Uyo for business and be in meetings the same day.

2.  Boost Tourism: Conferences, cultural festivals, and religious events in Akwa Ibom now have a direct gateway.

3.  Empower Trade: Perishable farm produce can go from Akwa Ibom farms to European markets in hours, not days.

4.  Create Jobs: From ground handling to hospitality, logistics to real estate, the ripple effect is already being felt.

_“World-class infrastructure is the bedrock of economic transformation under the ARISE Agenda,”_ Gov. Eno declared.

THE ACAKS PERSPECTIVE

As accredited aviation journalists in Akwa Ibom, we at ACAKS have watched this journey from blueprint to takeoff. 

What we are seeing is deliberate. The state is not waiting for Abuja. It is building, funding, and partnering to make VAIA a regional hub for the Gulf of Guinea.

The digital backbone is on. The lights are green. The next step is to fill the seats.

Elevating Aviation. Lifting Akwa Ibom. 

That is what ACAKS stands for. That is what Akwa Ibom is doing.

ACAKS is the body of NUJ-accredited Aviation Correspondents in Akwa Ibom State, committed to professional reporting and the growth of aviation in the state.

AKIRS Chairman Urges CITN to Take Tax Reform Message to Public

 

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot 

The Executive Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS), Sir Okon Okon, has urged members of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Uyo and District Society, to intensify tax advocacy and use their professional expertise to promote compliance and support ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s tax system.

Okon gave the charge on Wednesday,  August 5, 2026, during a reception organised by the CITN Uyo and District Society to celebrate its outstanding performance at the 2026 Annual Tax Conference in Abuja, where the Society won several awards and trophies. He congratulated the members for making Akwa Ibom proud, describing their achievement as evidence of teamwork, professionalism and commitment to the growth of the tax profession.

The AKIRS Chairman particularly commended the Society’s award-winning drama presentation, noting that while the trophies were important, the message conveyed through the performance was more significant. He said the drama effectively communicated the essence of the tax reforms but urged the Society to take the message beyond the conference venue and reach the wider public.

According to him, the ongoing tax reforms have created a favourable environment for the advancement of taxation and provided opportunities for tax practitioners to contribute more meaningfully to the economy. He called on CITN members to support the reforms by educating the public and helping taxpayers understand their obligations, especially with regard to registration, filing of returns and proper tax calculations.

Okon also challenged tax practitioners to take advantage of the opportunities created by the reforms, stressing that there was considerable work to be done in helping individuals and businesses comply with tax requirements. He noted that assisting taxpayers would not only promote voluntary compliance and strengthen government revenue but also create professional opportunities for practitioners.

The AKIRS boss further called for greater investment in the development of young tax professionals and students. He commended members of the University of Uyo Tax Club for their achievements at the conference and urged stakeholders to work towards establishing a Tax Club at Akwa Ibom State University before the end of the year. He also appealed to CITN members to continue working as a team and sustaining the spirit of excellence that earned the Society recognition at the national conference.

He urged members to support the tax reforms and help change public perceptions that often associate them with politics, saying sustained advocacy was needed to make citizens understand the benefits of the reforms. Okon also commended the Federal Government for reducing the tax bracket, describing the move as a positive development, while reaffirming AKIRS’ readiness to partner with CITN in advancing tax education, compliance and professional development in Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the CITN Uyo and District Society, Dcns. Idorenyin Charles Williams, described their win as a product of commitment, strategic planning, teamwork and dedication. 

Williams, who is the sixth and first female chairman of the Society, said the national conference was held in Abuja from May 11 to 16, 2026, adding that the Society had previously participated without winning before adopting a more strategic approach to its preparation.

According to her, the turning point came when the Society constituted a dedicated committee and engaged a professional with expertise in entertainment and stage presentation to prepare its cultural performance. She explained that the approach paid off, as the Society won the national competition for the first time and has maintained the top position for three consecutive years. 

The winning presentation, titled “Ke Kpe Tax Mfo”, meaning “Go and Pay Your Tax,” promoted voluntary tax compliance, while the Society also secured a Gold Medal in the conference table tennis competition.

Williams attributed the sustained success to the collective commitment of members and the support of the Executive Chairman of AKIRS, Sir Okon Okon, particularly in ensuring that the Society could meet the required number of 30 participants for its conference committee. 

She also praised the University of Uyo Tax Club, noting that the students had continued to complement the Society’s efforts in tax education and awareness, with the team securing first and second positions in its competition. encourage students who serve as ambassadors of tax awareness on campus.

Meanwhile, Sir Okon announced financial support to reward outstanding student performers and absorbed them into his scholarship Foundation to encourage academic excellence.