CPS Eulogises ANPA for Sustained of ARISE Agenda Support

Chief Press Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, has commended the Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers, Akwa Ibom State (ANPA) for their consistent and strategic support for Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda over the past two years.

When the newly inaugurated leadership of ANPA paid him a courtesy visit at his Shelter Afrique residence in Uyo, Udoh described the group as a critical stakeholder in the communication and development architecture of the State. He noted that the publishers’ role in amplifying the vision and achievements of the Eno-led administration cannot be overstated.

Udoh, a veteran journalist and founder/Publisher of Diaspora Style, a newspaper that once served the African Diaspora community in New York during the mid-1990s, said the visit by the newly inaugurated ANPA leadership was timely and aligned with the government’s goal of deepening media engagement for good governance.

“We are not strangers in this business, I am one of you. I started journalism in 1985, and by God’s grace, I’m still standing,” he said, drawing resounding applause.

The Governor’s spokesman, who will clock 40 years in active journalism next month, urged members of ANPA to remain professional and focus on accurate, responsible, and development-driven journalism in support of the ARISE Agenda.

“What you have done in the last two years in terms of media support has not gone unnoticed by my boss. ANPA is well-positioned to be a partner in progress. Please continue to support His Excellency with factual reportage. Let’s avoid sentiments and work together to build a better Akwa Ibom,” he added.

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Earlier, President-General of ANPA, Pastor Osuini-Abasi Alfred, thanked the CPS for the warm reception and described the visit as a strategic engagement to deepen the partnership between the government and newspaper proprietors.

Alfred, who publishes Eagle Eyes Newspaper, informed that ANPA is an amalgam of all Newspaper Publishers and financiers who are committed to responsible journalism and supporting good governance.

“Our members are not just journalists; they are investors and proprietors who bankroll the publishing of newspapers across the state. Without them, there would be no newspapers on the stands. We are here today, after our inauguration, less than 48 hours, for continued camaraderie in this business and of course, we will continue to align with the government through sustainable and ethical journalism,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the association and Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media, Elder Ernest Akpan, lauded the publishers for honouring Mr. Udoh, whom he described as a media icon and bridge between the press and the government.

The former publisher of The TOWN CRIER Newspaper expressed delight at the unification of all newspaper publishers under one umbrella, ANPA, and their demonstrated goodwill towards the Umo Eno administration.

On his part, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk, applauded the synergy between the state government and the media, describing it as a refreshing departure from past friction.

He praised Mr. Udoh for playing a unifying role and expressed optimism that the collaboration between ANPA and the state would enhance public enlightenment and effective information management.

Meanwhile, other members of the association, including the Publisher of The Crest, Comrade Kufre Etuk; Publisher of Golden Bell, who is the Treasurer, Comrade Quinta Akpan; and Director of Planning, Research and Documentation, who publishes The Entrepreneur, Obong Cyril Umoren, commended the Chief Press Secretary for his professionalism in the discharge of duties. They also praised Governor Umo Eno for steering Akwa Ibom State to unprecedented heights of development across all critical sectors.