Akwa Ibom: First Lady, Super Phones, Sumedha Energy, Others Honoured At NUJ Correspondents’ Dinner.

The Coordinator, Office of the Akwa Ibom State First Lady, Lady Helen Eno-Obareki, Communication equipment giant, Super Phones Ltd (L&T), Sumedha Energy Limited, a joint venture with NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Ibom Developers FZE and few prominent citizens have been honoured at the Dinner/Award Night of the Correspondents Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council.

Obareki was conferred an award of Excellence in recognition of her contributions to social development, humanitarian services and achievements through the Golden Initiative for All, GIFA- the First Lady’s Pet project while Super Phones honored for tremendous contribution to the development of the private sector and Job creation and Sumedha Energy & Ibom Developers FZE also honoured for their outstanding contributions in job creation and community development in the State.

Speaking at the event which also featured the unveiling of Critique Magazine and the launch of a ₦15 million solar power facility at the NUJ Press Centre, Information Drive Uyo on Friday, Obareki sued for constructive, objective and responsible journalism.

‎Lady Obareki, who was represented at the occasion by the Member representing Urue Offong Oruko State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Precious Selong, described true journalism as: “not about praise or criticism in isolation; but about asking the right questions, presenting verified facts, and providing context that empowers citizens to act, even as she commended the Correspondents Chapel for recognizing her contributions to the society.

Related: Sumedha Energy, Ibom Developers Honoured for Job Creation at NUJ Event

On their part, Sumedha Energy Limited and Ibom Developers receiving the award through their Media Manager, Aniekeme Finbarr described it as both an honour and a responsibility to do more.

He clarified that Sumedha Energy Limited, formerly Natural Oilfield Services Limited, operates as a joint venture with NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), while Ibom Developers FZE functions as an independent entity within the Free Zone, supporting oil processing and related infrastructure.

He emphasized that the companies’ operations in Akwa Ibom, which gained momentum between 2022 and 2023, have been guided by a commitment to sustainable development and community engagement.

According to him, the organisations have collectively contributed to the creation of over 7,000 direct and indirect jobs, significantly impacting livelihoods across host communities. He added that their community development initiatives between 2025 and early 2026 have delivered measurable outcomes in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.

Finbarr disclosed that more than 500 students have benefited from educational support programmes, while primary healthcare centres have been renovated and outreach services expanded to underserved areas.

He further noted that women and entrepreneurs have been empowered through targeted training and business support initiatives.

He also reaffirmed the companies’ commitment to local content, stating that Akwa Ibom indigenes occupy key positions across human resources, community development, and technical operations, with ongoing investments in capacity building to prepare local talent for more specialized roles.

Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Bassey Anthony, commended Sumedha Energy Limited, Ibom Developers FZE, and other partners for their continued support to the media and their contributions to societal development.

Delivering the keynote address, Emmanuel Abraham, highlighted the role of responsible leadership and strategic investments in driving sustainable growth and community transformation.

Top management staff of the organisations were present at the event, including Engr. Fabian Ebri and Senior Base Manager ACP (Rtd) Digha, alongside Community Development Programme (CDP) managers such as Grace Inyang, Emem Udoh, Patrick Ukpong and Vivian Udofia.

The event brought together stakeholders from the media, government, and private sector, celebrating excellence in journalism while recognizing impactful contributions of corporate organisations to economic development in Akwa Ibom State.