A’Ibom Ministry of Culture and Tourism Backs ANPA Week 2025

The Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Akwa Ibom State, Dr Anieti Nseowo Udofia, has declared the ministry’s support for the celebration of ANPA Week 2025 by the Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers Association, Akwa Ibom State, scheduled to hold from Sunday, November 9, to Thursday, November 13, 2025.

The Commissioner gave the assurance on Monday, when he received members of the Central Planning Committee (CPC) of ANPA Week 2025, led by the Chairman, Elder Patrick Albert, and the President of ANPA, Pastor Osuini-Abasi Alfred, in attendance.

Dr Udofia commended the association for considering the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as a strategic partner in the organisation of the ANPA Week and for working assiduously to ensure that the ARISE Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, is properly interpreted to the public.

He noted that through the good working collaboration that successive leadership of media organisations have with the government in Akwa Ibom State, negative media have been curbed.

He stated, “When I saw the notice of your visit that same day, I had to minute it to the Permanent Secretary for an immediate visit because I realised and understood how important you are to the vision and the drive of His Excellency. Just like the chairman aptly stressed, in those days we used to see on front pages of newspapers very intimidating captions, and when you go in, you discover that there’s nothing in there. But these days, because of the good working relationship that you have with the government, that is no longer the order of the day.

Related: HoS Lauds ANPA for Sustaining ARISE Agenda Narrative, Assures Partnership for ANPA Week 2025 

“I have to commend the two former State Chairmen of NUJ, Elder Patrick Albert and Comrade Amos Etuk, and the current chairman of NUJ, Comrade Nsibiet John, and in that regard, the President of ANPA, Pastor Osuini-Abasi Alfred, for working to ensure that media professionals uphold the vision and the tradition of their organisations and for working together to foster cooperation and a lasting relationship that will advance the development of Akwa Ibom State.”

Dr Udofia stressed that the government is very keen about the positive activities of newspapers, social media, and other news outlets, as there will be no development in an environment where you have chaos and crisis.

“The governor is somebody who reads every bit of news and is very much updated. He is on the ground, so he sees what you’re doing, and he appreciates the fact that you are working collaboratively to ensure that the state is peaceful. You know, one of the major assets that we have in the state is peace,” he added.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of CPC of ANPA Week 2025, Elder Patrick Albert, thanked the Commissioner for the interface, support, and collaboration towards ensuring the success of the ANPA Week.

The Chairman stated that the body will use the period to reassess its role and strengthen its commitment towards the overall development of Akwa Ibom State, as reflected in the theme for the Week, “The Relevance of Newspaper Publishers in State Development: The Case of Akwa Ibom State under the ARISE Agenda.”

“It may interest you to know that in line with our slogan, ‘Wheel of Progress,’ we are aligned with the lofty ideals of the administration of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, as embodied in the ARISE Agenda.

“Consequently, ANPA Week 2025 presents a unique opportunity for establishing a synergy with ANPA. As a body, we will treasure and reciprocate such gestures as we continually publicise Akwa Ibom State,” he added.

In his remarks, the President of ANPA, Pastor Osuini-Abasi Alfred, commended the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Anieti Nseowo Udofia, for his effective interpretation of the vision of Governor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, as regards his dreams and aspirations in the culture and tourism ministry.

The President assured the Commissioner that members of ANPA will continue to maintain objectivity and fairness in their publications of Newspapers in the state and called for continued partnership in rebranding Akwa Ibom State as a destination on the global tourism map.

Activities lined up for the ANPA Week 2025 include a Thanksgiving Service, Free Medical Outreach/Check Up, Visit to Orphanage Homes, Road Walk, Novelty Football Match, Inspection Visits to Government Projects, An Evening with Newspapers Distributors/Vendors, culminating in a Symposium, Awards, and Luncheon.